In musicals, actors must get their notes and lyrics correct on the first try. There are no do-overs during a live theatre performance! If they slur their diction, stumble over a line, or mess up the words, they can do the scene again. Film and television sets have microphones everywhere on the set to pick up the lines. In post-production, actors frequently go back to re-record lines to fix any errors that they made during filming.
Despite all of the preparation that goes into a stage production, actors need to be quick on their feet in case something goes wrong which, in theatre, it often does! A missed cue, a forgotten prop, a dropped line or a wardrobe malfunction—no matter what, the show must go on!
Giving live performances can be taxing on stage actors. They must deliver the same performance with new energy each time they perform. In film, performances do not happen in real time or sequence. Due to budgetary concerns, time of day, or weather, an actor may have to perform an intense scene with lots of running and screaming immediately followed by a sad scene with deep emotions. Screen actors must also deal with impromptu script changes, sometimes memorizing a whole new section of script on the fly.
Both acting for the stage and the screen can be rewarding experiences, and with some practice, skilled actors can expertly switch between the techniques required from each environment. Your email address will not be published. Submit Comment. Performing Arts Academy is creating community, building character, and inspiring excellence through performing arts education by bringing the transformative power of theatre to all people. The same student must be registered in both classes for the discount to apply.
Offer expires Monday, January John Boggs is a pianist, composer and vocalist based currently in Thornton, Colorado. He taught students of all ages and experience during his undergraduate and graduate studies. Put another way, acting is acting, whether you are on stage or in front of a camera. However, there are key differences between the stage and the screen that need to be understood. Moving between theatre and film can be equated to a painter who moves between acrylics and watercolors.
The painter is still a painter, but the medium has changed and, therefore, the process will change. For an actor, knowledge of the difference in the environment, venue, and script between theatre and film is crucial to becoming a double-threat. Theatre is a nurturing art form. The best of theatre productions have adequate rehearsal time, cast bonding, and time to experiment with the director before opening night.
Stage actors become familiar with their roles slowly and by the time they perform publicly, they have practiced dozens of times. In contrast, film sets are chaotic places packed with specialized, high-paid artists.
For an actor, this presents several challenges. For one, you will receive very little, if any, rehearsal time. For another, depending on the size of the role, you may not receive any direction. Films hire actors under the assumption that they will come to set performance-ready. Preparation is vital in both theatre and film, but the process of preparation is vastly different. I am often shocked by the number of hours actors must spend in rehearsal for a show that may only play one night.
Also, many actors who participate in community theater do so knowing that, more than likely, they will be asked to help with props, sets and wardrobe. One must be a team player to do theater. Another advantage is the instant gratification given by the audience. I often hear from my actors who do theater how much the reaction from the audience fuels their performance. Film actors can only rely on the director and other actors they are working with to determine if they are doing well or not.
Film acting also has its advantages. For one, film acting tends to pay more. This is one of the main differences, stage plays tend to be much wordier than screenplays.
Lastly, actors doing film or TV only need to focus on one scene at a time and once that scene is shot, they move on. Theater actors need to focus on the entire play each time they perform. The other advantage in film acting is that if you give a bad performance, you have the chance to do the scene again.
In stage acting, if you give a bad performance, the only opportunity to redeem yourself is the following night assuming there is one. To learn more differences and hone your skills in acting either for theatre or film, come observe a class and get started improving your performances.
October 1, October 4, There are many different skills that an actor must possess before becoming a working actor.
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