Acting: Why do you do it?

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Why do you do it?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Acting
Forum Discription: Q&A about auditions, character development and other aspects of the craft
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5317
Printed Date: 4/26/24 at 5:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Why do you do it?

Posted By: POB14
Subject: Why do you do it?
Date Posted: 6/04/12 at 1:40pm

I'm in the process of re-assessing a number of things in my life right now, and one of those is: exactly what do I get out of this hobby of ours?

I'm in the middle of a run as Stanley in Father of the Bride, and it's been a heck of a lot of work. Frankly, it's been more work than fun this time, and I'm hoping for some thoughts that might help me reconnect with the rewards. Or push me further along the path to "retirement".

My situation aside: What are the rewards for you, for theatre in general and acting specifically?

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POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

Replies:

Posted By: dboris
Date Posted: 6/05/12 at 12:34pm

Originally posted by POB14

I'm in the process of re-assessing a number of things in my life right now, and one of those is: exactly what do I get out of this hobby of ours?

My situation aside: What are the rewards for you, for theatre in general and acting specifically?

I remember reading a article a long time ago about how to categorize volunteers based on why they do it, which I think relates to your question. I found an article with similar ideas here:

http://nonprofit.about.com/od/volunteers/a/motivatevols.htm - http://nonprofit.about.com/od/volunteers/a/motivatevols.htm

Basically it talks about three types of volunteers:

Affiliators - These people do it mainly for the social aspect. Thier reward is just about being part of a community and contributing to a shared goal.

Achievers - These are the people who get thier reward from creating or achieving something that they can show to others. These are the people who would not mind spending hours on thier own creating costumes or building a set.

Leaders (the article above calls them Social Power Person) - These are the people who get thier reward from, no surprise, leading. They enjoy inspiring and leading other people towards a common goal.

Personally, although I enjoy the social aspect, I am an achiever. I will take vacation days just to work alone on a set so I can show off what I have created.

Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 6/05/12 at 5:08pm

As a purely selfish being, I do it for personal satisfaction; much in the same way I love giving gifts and doing things for others. As an actor, and as a director, I love being able to take people out of themselves and transport them to a different time and place. To entertain and instruct. To get people to see the other side of somebody's coin. To walk a mile in someone else's shoes. To learn empathy, commonality, and sharing. To laugh a while, or shed a tear or two. To remind myself and others that we are all human, and to celebrate that fact.

Yes, some of the journeys are difficult, but that doesn't mean that the journey is not worth taking. I don't do it to socialize, although I do enjoy the fellowship. I don't do it for self-aggrandizement, although I readily accept a compliment. I don't do it because I like being in charge, even though I sometimes am. I do it to celebrate life in all its complexity.

Sorry if I sound maudlin, I just do it 'cause it makes me feels good; sometimes more than others, but there's always a silver lining - you just have to look for it.

Posted By: GoldCanyonLady
Date Posted: 6/06/12 at 10:56am

Well said edh915. Well said, indeed. That is why I do it too. And even at my age (75), it all keeps me young.

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Barb Hofmeister,
MountainBrook Village Players, Gold Canyon, Arizona.

Posted By: Majicwrench
Date Posted: 6/06/12 at 1:02pm

Hard to say just why, but I know I really enjoy the challenge, if I knew everything about theatre, acting and directing I would give it up in a heartbeat. And learning new things, not just theatre stuff, but things the shows deal with, people, times, wars, it's all good.

One of the most rewarding thing is watching the young people grow (I do a lot of shows with kids and young adults), as actors and as members of society. We need to pass it on.

Keith

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 6/07/12 at 1:23pm

I do it because it is a part of me. I cannot see an enjoyable future which would not include my theatre. You might as well ask why do I breath or why do I love? Life without theatre just doesn't make sense to me?

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

Posted By: Raging Thespian
Date Posted: 7/03/12 at 3:03pm

I totally concur with pdavis69. It is what I was meant to do. It is my passion. It is what keeps me sane in what seems to be an ever increasingly chaotic life.