Everyone knows the nearly impossible question, are plays or movies better? But what everyone doesn’t know, is the answer.

Now, I’m not here to set it straight. This question has millions of opinions riding behind it, and even more people to back it up; however, I am here to give light to each, and maybe, just maybe, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to formulate your own answer.

As someone who has experience in both stage and screen action, here’s a few of the basics covered in both productions.

1. Combat

Stage: Stage combat - the idea of fighting, but never actually making solid contact. Often involves the use of sound cues, as well as, stopping and/or hitting another object.

Screen: Stage combat - see above. Stunt - often completed using the work of harnesses, other actors, and complicated training.

2. Rehearsing

Stage: Rehearsals - generally last anywhere from 5-12 hours. Little to no breaks, aside from meals. Constant repeat of running scenes/entire play over and over again.

Screen: Rehearsals - generally 6-20 hour days. Actors are on set for only around 20-60 minutes at a time. Running around three scenes a day.

3. Lines

Stage: Memorization - must memorize entire scripts within a two month period. If one messes up, they must do improv.

Screen: Memorization - must memorize only parts of scenes at a time. If one messes up, the scene is stopped and repeated until perfect.

4. Hair/Makeup

Stage: Self Provided - most performers do their own hair and makeup. Occasionally hands will be hired to assist.

Screen: Department Provided - paid individuals come in to do actors’ hair and makeup (very professional).

5. Set

Stage: Set - one place that remains the play’s constant. Although the scenery may change, the location will always remain.

Screen: Set - often scenes are shot in multiple locations. For example, one moment you may be in a car, the next on top of a building - ya never know.

6. Performance

Stage: Live - no take backsies, no second chances, only moments. Takes place in front of a live audience, no previous recordings to play over your voice.

Screen: Film - capable of stopping and starting over and over again. No pressure to get it right the first time. No live audience, and no drastic need to improv when a line gets dropped.

Overall the two are wildly different. Although theater has been around longer, movies have climbed mountains - each earning their right to the title of “best entertainment”.

You may prefer one or the other, maybe you like both, or maybe you prefer neither - who knows, but hopefully this article has helped you sort out the major differences between the two.