Office Info
Vacation - Office Closed
June 30- July 9, 2009
Aug 20 - 24, 2009
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New Shows Coming
Trick-or-Treat Street
The Emperor's New Clothes
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FAQ: Acting & Theatre
[Over the years
many questions have been directed at Kevin M Reese via
email, workshops, and personal conversations.
We decided to post some of them-- with his responses--
here.]
The Actor's FAQ
Don't forget to check out: Don't Call Us, We'll Call You.
Got a Question about Acting you'd like answered? Send it to Kevin!
About the author of this page:
KEVIN M REESE has been working professionally
(meaning: he's been getting paid to do it) in the
theatre for the last 21 years. He is or has been a
Playwright, Song Writer, Actor, Singer, Director,
Producer, Music Director, Tech Director, PR Director,
Tour Manager, Theatre Owner-- actually, the only thing
he has never professed to be is a dancer (even though he
HAS been paid to do that, too!). Kevin brings his unique point-of-view to his answers
to questions many actors have about "the business."
Since he doesn't know you, didn't date your mom, doesn't
pal around with your dad, he can give you
straight-forward answers without beating around the
bush. And since he's happy with his life, he won't
take out his frustrations on you-- like some frustrated
actor-wannabes out there in a position to guide
beginning actors. OK, now, first acting lesson: BE A RAINDROP . .
. . Q: I am a high school
student. I'm getting a lot of parts in my school
plays and I think I want to be a professional actor.
What should I do? Q: What's the difference between
"Theatre" -- ER, and "Theater" -- RE?
A: Forget this nonsense and study computers, auto
repair, or P.E. -- anything that will let you live a
REAL LIFE! This is probably the number one
question I am asked in workshops. To most people,
the life of an actor seems very romantic, exciting,
rewarding, challenging, fulfilling, fun. But
to an actor-- now, don't get me wrong, it can be all
those things-- it is usually also a life full of
frustration, sometimes-demeaning treatment, poverty, long periods
of no work, constant rejection, constant moving, long
work hours, and being away from your family. This
really sounds depressing doesn't it? Why on earth would
anyone choose to be an actor?? The best answer you
can have to that questions is: "I can't do
anything else." No so much that you don't have the
skills to do anything else, but that nothing else makes
you as happy as acting. Nothing else gives you a
chance to express your life. Nothing else
satisfies your hunger for acceptance, expression,
teaching, self-actualization, and fulfillment. In
other words-- no matter what anybody says or thinks,
you're an actor because you are an actor. Now,
whether you'll be a WORKING actor or not-- well, that's
another story all together. . . .
A: The difference is that they're spelled differently, you silly goose! Actually, there really isn't any difference
because they're pretty interchangeable. One looks more fancy and artistic, the other looks more practical and common.
Personally, I usually distinguish the two as THEATRE (RE)
referring to the discipline-- theatre in general, and THEATER (ER)
referring to a building. I go to the theater to see theatre.
