An Important Lesson

Through my years in theatre, I have learned a few lessons. One of the most important lessons I have ever learned is never backing down from making your own choices. When you're onstage, you're playing someone else and you get to decide how you do it. Yes, the director will give tips and direction but, beyond that, it is your choice how to play the character. You don't have to listen to other people's ideas or follow the advice they give. If you think it will further the character, do it. If you think it will take away from how you want people to see your character, don't do it. It's as simple as that. No one, other than the director and the playwright, can tell you how to act. Acting is a learning experience and you will have to take risks and try different things. But that doesn't mean you have to try everything available. You shouldn't fall into a set pattern and never try anything else but you should be confident in how you move, speak, and act. Find out what that character looks like, sounds like, how they walk and use that to develop them. Make the audience believe in the character you've made.

- Miss Broadway