Acting is an art form that demands talent and a deep understanding of the craft.
While many aspiring actors dream of making it big on screen, industry veterans often advise starting from the stage.
The stage is where many actors hone their foundational skills. Unlike film and television, stage acting requires different techniques due to the live audience and the absence of edits.
Actors must learn to project their voices, use body language effectively, and convey emotions in a way that resonates with an audience seated far away. This foundational training fosters a strong sense of presence and confidence, essential traits for any actor.
The process of developing a character is often more profound in theater. Actors explore their roles over several performances, allowing them to delve deeper into their characters’ motivations, backgrounds, and emotional arcs.
Ghanaian actor, Daniel Delong is encouraging actors and upcoming actors alike to consider the stage as their training ground.
Delong said, “Most of the best actors we have in Ghana, per our marking scheme, are stage actors and a few who started on screen have moved to stage.”
Live theater often requires actors to think on their feet. Mistakes happen, and actors must be prepared to adapt quickly, whether it’s recovering from a missed line or reacting to unexpected audience interactions.
This ability to improvise not only sharpens an actor’s skills but also builds resilience and creativity traits that are incredibly valuable in film and television, where unexpected challenges arise during shooting.
“The problem with a lot of the upcoming actors who have come into my DM is that they are not looking at the craft, they are looking at the aftermath of the craft, they just want to be celebrities.”
Daniel Delong
Theater is inherently collaborative. Actors work closely with directors, stage managers, and fellow cast members to create a cohesive production.
This environment fosters strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Learning to give and receive constructive feedback is a vital part of this process, helping actors grow and refine their craft.
Performing in front of a live audience creates a unique dynamic that cannot be replicated on screen.
Actors receive immediate feedback through laughter, applause, or silence, allowing them to gauge the effectiveness of their performance in real-time.
Networking Opportunities
Theater communities are often tight-knit, providing aspiring actors with valuable networking opportunities.
Collaborating with directors, writers, and fellow actors can lead to future projects and connections in the industry. Many successful actors have built their careers through relationships formed in theater, leading to opportunities in film and television.
With a career spanning over a decade, Daniel Delong, known for his captivating roles in both film and theatre, recently shared invaluable advice for young aspiring actors looking to carve their niche in the industry.
Emphasizing the unique benefits of starting a career in stage plays, Delong revealed the networking opportunities.
“They want to walk down the red carpet and I always tell them in the face, don’t aspire to be famous. I have seen a lot of famous people who are broke. So aspire to be great. There are people because of how great they are, the cameras follow them whether they like it or not.”
Daniel Delong
Stage acting exposes actors to a wide range of roles and genres, from classical Shakespearean plays to contemporary dramas and comedies.
This diversity allows actors to experiment with different styles and techniques, broadening their skill set and making them more versatile performers.
While the allure of Hollywood and television fame is undeniable, actors are often advised to start their journeys on the stage. The skills, experiences, and connections gained through theater lay a solid foundation for a successful acting career.
Whether it’s the ability to connect with an audience, the discipline of rehearsals, or the collaborative spirit of a theater company, stage experience equips aspiring actors with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive world of acting.
Those who embrace the stage as their starting point are likely to find themselves better prepared for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in their acting careers.
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