As I enter into my final semester as a theatre performance major, I’d like to talk about a subject that has been close to my heart for a long time. I am an introvert, and proudly so. But what does this really mean?
There is a common misconception that introverts are shy or very anti-social people. They avoid large crowds, they never talk, and they don’t have a lot of friends. How then, could one possibly even enjoy the process of acting? Well, I’m here to say that they can enjoy it quite a bit, and there are a lot of us out there doing it. Not all actors are the mega extroverted, manic, loud people you may find depicted on television (Rachel Berry, anyone?) And while you may encounter many of these very outgoing and personable people pursuing an acting career, there are just as much of us out there with a more muted exterior.
Why would an introvert be a good actor?
Thinkers
Introverts tend to be thinkers. While we may not always be the one talking the most in a group conversation, we may very well be the one thinking the most. We observe, collect data, and process information internally. Add these analyzing qualities to acting and you’ve got a person who can develop a well-thought out character. Not only have we thought about how the character acts, but also what they think, feel, like, dislike, and desire. We might not go full method, but we’ve definitely tried to get into our character’s heads.
Focused
As introverts, we also tend to be very focused people. We find a thing we like, and we hold onto to it, sometimes at near-obsessive levels. This can be a good thing in acting, where focus is imperative when rehearsing and performing a show. The moment one loses focus, they can lose their characterization, their blocking, their lines, and ultimately break the suspension of disbelief for the audience that we as a theatre community strives for.
Feelers
This aspect I personally identify with, being a very feeling person. Introverts can be emotional, especially if they lean towards being empathetic, like myself. They feel deeply, both positively and negatively. This can be a strength when you’re an actor. Empathizing with your character makes for a more believable as well as rewarding performance. Nobody likes watching an actor on stage just go through the motions. We go to the theatre to feel just as much as actors perform to feel. We experience catharsis too!
Academics
I think it’s no coincidence that introverts tend to do well in school. We all have our subjects we weren’t as good in (math, for me), but for the ones we enjoy, we do good work in. We commit ourselves to things that matter to us, and in turn we produce work that reflects that. In theatre, of course, that means we’re good at memorizing lines, understanding dramaturgical aspects of a play (the history, social conduct, and ideas of the time), and generally put in the work that is expected of us, and we enjoy it.
Creative
Of course actors must be creative. Everything about what we do is a choice, and the more creative our choices are, the better our performances are for it. Creativity is all about taking risks and trying new things. It’s about discovery. Introverts often indulge in creative hobbies: music, writing, art, and, of course, theatre. Acting provides a wonderful outlet to let us exercise our imagination.
In summary, acting is actually a very fitting hobby or profession for an introvert. Does this mean that extroverts aren’t great actors? Of course, not! Acting is not an exclusive activity only meant for the most extra of extroverts. To me, acting is more than the attention and acclaim, it’s about being able to live as different people in different times, ages, worlds, and circumstances. It’s about emotion and messages and connection.
Acting is art imitating life, and that, I think, is for everyone.
