-Alexander Pope.
This is the quote by which the International Thespian Society swears (troupe #2512, represent). It’s a great one. It’s true for the actors, techies, directors, costumers, lighting technicians, musicians, and everyone else in the company. We must do this as an ensemble because theatre is such a collaborative art.
I love theatre for so many reasons. I love telling a story. I love owning a story, internalizing it, making it my story. A story that can’t be ignored.
I got into theatre because I wanted to be more confident. I thought that acting on the stage would give me confidence, but it did so in a different way than I expected.
My former director, Ms. Doreen Dunn, taught us that the best actors are “vessels.” They are empty containers waiting to be filled.
When I act, I try to do just that. Before I go on and before I characterize I empty myself of me. I take a neutral stance (thanks, Ms. Rhinehart!), assume a new walk, everything. This gives me confidence in myself because it lets me take a break from being myself.
Theatre is therapy for me. You have the opportunity to make of yourself any number of things. You're not criticized for being fake.
I truly believe that being somebody else on stage helps me to be more sincere and true to myself in real life. I get tired of myself sometimes. Be somebody else for awhile; send yourself to the spa of self-discovery. So if you're brave enough to put yourself on hold, go ahead, jump on stage. Act well and be well.
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