As an actor, my most hated phrase is probably 'As an actor'. However, there are things learned on this path, that I think are valuable in many walks of life. A complete list would be a little exhaustive, so here are my top five. (Depicted through the lens of Nerdy GIFS)
1. Relaxation breeds concentration.
The actor must be able to forget they are in front a crowd and live in the pretend world they have created with the rest of the artists. This is absolutely impossible if the actor is fretting about every little external thing. If one has the misfortune of training, the phrase "Live in the moment" will become engraved inside your eyelids.(With good reason)
In real life relaxing as a way to deal with the foci(focuses can't be right?) that occupy our life is becoming a commonplace practice. Look at the mindfulness movement! Seriously give it a gander.
2. Be humble and kind, you are always replaceable.
So this one is kind of obvious. Everyone knows what understudies are. It's important to keep in mind that one actor is not the be all end all of the show, no matter who that actor may or may not be.
And in the non theatre life, no matter how much the ego doth protest, one is never completely essential. Check yourself. They, whoever they may be, can get by without you.
3. Live your intentions honestly and completely.
Do things slowly and surely or quickly. Slow or fast. Just not half slow or rather half fast. Don't do things half-fast.
In all truthiness, good actors have commit to whatever role they're playing. That means behaving in honest ways that the audience will see as credible, and just as importantly in ways that the actor is living credibly.
How does this translate for someone outside the drama box? See things through. Disingenousness has a really short half-life as far as social utility is concerned. Live up to one's own expectations. Don't do things half-fast.
4. Put your partner first.
On stage, the person(s) one is acting with are inexorably connected to one's own success and well being. In any kind of action scene, all actors on stage are completely responsible for each other's safety. An actor is especially responsible for supporting their partner, the person they are directly speaking to or acting with at any given point, in all things: energy, fight safety, dialogue etc. Etc.
If two actors don't put each other first and provide that support, the scene fails. This is a wonderful principle for relationships, especially romantic ones.
5. Humor is the key to life itself.
Humor as in funny is of course important. But humor isn't just jokeyness, it is the fabric of character. It is what makes Uncle Bob and Aunt Martha distinct people in one's mind.
Humor is how when one has lived with someone long enough, their gait can be distinguished from any corner of the house. Approaching life, and pretend life, with humor shows that it is actually being lived.
Smile, frown, laugh or cry just make sure it is felt. Don't be numb to experience.
