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One of the best pieces of advice...
Jun 15, 2025
... I have ever received as an actor is that the audience doesn't have the script.
I have watched so many actors stumble over lines, trying to be word perfect, when they should be concentrating on the inner work and the motivations of the characters they portray. I have been guilty of this as a younger actor. I don't even remember who gave me this advice, but, I am grateful for it.
This does not mean actors should not do the memorization... far from it... but, truly finding the truth of the character in yourself is far more important than saying the lines perfectly. On the other extreme, I have also known actors who have learned their lines as a story, so they know what needs to happen, but they disrespect the work of the writer/playwright. There is a balance.
It all boils down to one concept: DO THE WORK.
Linework has to happen (this includes knowing the lines of your scene partners). Character and play breakdown need to happen. Deep character work can't truly happen until the rest is done. Once all this is done, you can give the greatest gift an actor can give... you can be a generous and giving castmate to your fellow actors.
Spill Your Guts
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