How Acting Benefits a Writer
So, yes, I was an actor most of my life. I remember my first audition vividly: the nerves, excitement, and adrenaline rush. It’s a good gig for a person who likes to perform, likes to put on the skins of other people, likes to tell stories, and for a person who likes to write. Acting isn’t for everyone, but it was natural for me. It also taught me much: speaking publicly, diction, emoting while speaking, and being natural. The cross-promotion of being an actor in my other business endeavors also didn’t hurt.
I was a stage actor for the most part, but I did do film and TV when the opportunity presented itself. I liked the stage because I liked the immediate feedback and the relationship with the audience. I learned what worked, what gestures, what vocal tones, and what delivery, and it made me a better writer, director, and producer. For instance, I learned to create more engaging dialogue and use visual cues to enhance my storytelling. Because the stage is mostly dialogue and visual, it also helped me tremendously in writing. Stories told through pictures and dialogue are far more appealing than those told through descriptions. I found my work as an actor easy to transfer to other forms of writing, even poetry, if you can believe it. Acting also developed my confidence incredibly. You can still be shy and act, but you learn to be shy and still act. For those who know me closely, I’m an introvert. For those who see me publicly, you’d probably not know that. That’s acting for you.
You don’t have to be a professional to act, and I encourage every writer to think about trying acting. You’ll find your writing will improve. You’ll find your presence and delivery before an audience will improve. You’ll find you enjoy being in front of people by putting yourself in a situation where you genuinely practice exposure therapy. This psychological technique involves gradually facing your fears and anxieties. In this case, it's about getting comfortable with public speaking and performing. You also don’t have to be the lead. You can learn as much by watching and working from the chorus as a lead actor. The chorus is where most people start anyway.
Where’s the best place to start learning? For me, I would always point to community theater. You’ll not find a more supportive group of like-minded people. When they realize why you are there, you’ll be surprised at the insights, tricks, and techniques they are willing to share if you are only willing to listen and learn. Then go home and look at what you write. Can you see it being performed in your mind’s eye, or is it just description and telling on the page? Try it. You don’t get paid in cash to be a part of community theater. Still, you’ll find an incredible reward (even monetarily) in the experience as you bring techniques from one artistic form to another. And, who knows? You might be one of those who suddenly catches on, and you’ll find your career moving like mine into that world of the “hyphen”: the writer-actor.
Think about it. You have nothing to lose; from personal experience, I can attest that you’ll have everything to gain. Look for theaters in your area. Reach out. Then, watch yourself, your creativity, and your technique grow exponentially. Ready to take the first step? Start by researching community theaters in your area and expressing your interest. You never know where this journey might take you.
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