Be an actor: what actors can teach us about communication, commitment, and play

In the theater, we say that “theater work is life work.”  The work we do to be better actors, is the work we do to be better people. When we find ourselves facing an acting problem, it is always connected to some challenge in our lives. Ultimately, acting skills are simply communication skills, the skills we use to connect us to one another. Actors must communicate in a way that engages the audience, moves us, and invites us to see the world through someone else’s eyes.  Believe me, this requires a lot of skill.  And these are skills all of us can practice to increase our presence, impact, connection, and sway in the world.  

First, let’s look at what good actors do:

Good actors are present.  Good actors listen.  Good actors notice.  Good actors are fully alive to the moment.  Good actors play. Good actors allow every idiosyncrasy, loving the odd and quirky characteristics that make humans interesting.  Good actors expect, accept, and invite feedback.  Good actors are generous.  Good actors make bad actors look good.  Good actors put their focus on others, instead of on themselves.  Good actors show up on time.  Good actors see choices everywhere. Good actors move towards challenges, conflicts, and obstacles instead of avoiding them. Good actors do not suppress any emotion, knowing that to do so suppresses all emotions. Good actors are courageous.  Good actors are kind to their collaborators. Good actors take risks.  Good actors practice failing.  Good actors revel in the unexpected.  Good actors tolerate silence.  Good actors are never bored. Good actors work hard.  

Now, which of these is something you would like to practice this week?  Maybe listening.  Maybe playing. Maybe speaking out. Maybe allowing a hard emotion. Maybe failing on purpose. Maybe making someone else look like the star.