How acting “performances” differ from stage performances

Do we use acting in our everyday lives? What are some instances when we do? How do these “performances” differ from stage performances? Are actors who perform autobiographical work simply being themselves onstage?
Is a universal language of emotional expression possible? Why or why not?
What are some of the arguments in favor of non-traditional casting? Should all roles be open to all actors? Why or why not?
If you were a director, which actor-training style do you think you might encourage actors to use in a production of She Kills Monsters and why?
How does audience seating reflect social hierarchies today? Should theatre seating strive to be completely egalitarian? Why or why not?
To what extent should theatre practitioners take into account audience comfort? For example, should old spaces be adapted to modern expectations of comfort? What is the benefit of preserving the historical accuracy of such spaces at the expense of audience comfort? Why might a practitioner want audience discomfort to be part of the theatrical experience?
Should artists make efforts to create theatre spaces in neighborhoods that do not have them? Should cities be responsible for helping establish these spaces? What responsibilities, if any, do artists have to the community in which they are working?
How would you design the audience seating for She Kills Monsters?

Full Answer Section

   
  • In our relationships: We may need to act supportive and understanding with our partners and family members, even if they are frustrating us. We may also need to act patient and kind with our children, even when they are misbehaving.
  • In social situations: We may need to act friendly and outgoing at a party, even if we are feeling shy. We may also need to act polite and respectful when meeting new people, even if we don't like them very much.
Our everyday performances differ from stage performances in a number of ways. First, our everyday performances are not typically scripted or planned. Instead, we improvise our performances based on the people we are interacting with and the situation. Second, our everyday performances are not typically performed for an audience. Instead, we perform for ourselves and for the people we are interacting with. Actors who perform autobiographical work are not simply being themselves onstage. They are still performing a role, even if that role is based on their own life experiences. As actors, they need to make choices about what to share and how to share it. They also need to use their acting skills to bring the story to life for the audience. Here is an example of how acting can be used in everyday life: Imagine that you are giving a presentation at work. You are feeling nervous, but you know that you need to appear confident and professional. You take a deep breath and put on a smile. You walk up to the podium and start your presentation. You speak clearly and slowly, and you make eye contact with the audience. You even tell a few jokes to keep the audience engaged. In this example, you are using acting skills to perform the role of a confident and professional speaker. You are not being yourself. You are putting on a performance for your audience. Another example: Imagine that you are having a disagreement with your partner. You are feeling angry and frustrated, but you know that you need to communicate your feelings in a calm and respectful way. You take a moment to compose yourself before you speak. You tell your partner what is bothering you, and you listen to their perspective. You both work together to find a solution to the problem. In this example, you are using acting skills to perform the role of a calm and respectful communicator. You are not being yourself. You are putting on a performance for your partner. Acting can be a valuable tool in our everyday lives. It can help us to communicate more effectively, to manage our emotions, and to build relationships. It can also help us to achieve our goals and to live our best lives.  

Sample Answer

   

Yes, we use acting in our everyday lives. We all perform different roles in different situations, depending on the people we are interacting with and the context. For example, we may act differently at work than we do at home or with friends. We may also act differently in a job interview than we do at a party.

Here are some specific instances when we may use acting in our everyday lives:

  • At work: We may need to act professional and courteous with clients and colleagues, even if we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. We may also need to act confident and assertive in meetings and presentations, even if we are feeling nervous.