1. “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s about finding the humanity in what is different.” – Viola Davis.
This quote emphasizes that great acting comes from understanding the character’s motivations and emotions, regardless of how different they may be from yourself.
2. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (adapted for acting).
This quote, originally by Emerson, applies to acting by highlighting the power of choice. As an actor, you have the freedom to choose how to portray a character and shape their development.
3. “Listen. React. Be present.” – Stella Adler.
These three words capture the essence of good acting. Truly listening to your scene partner, reacting authentically, and being fully present in the moment are essential for creating believable performances.
4. “Doubt is not a comfortable condition, but certainty is absurd.” – Voltaire (adapted for acting).
This quote reminds actors that a healthy dose of uncertainty can be a good thing. It keeps you open to exploration and prevents a character’s portrayal from becoming stagnant.
5. “You don’t have to cry to be in touch with your emotions. Tears are the last resort of the mediocre actor.” – Marlon Brando.
This quote from Brando challenges the misconception that strong emotions always equate to outward displays like crying. Great acting often lies in the subtler expressions of feeling.
6. “Failure is part of the process. You don’t succeed in everything, and you shouldn’t. It’s about the journey.” – Denzel Washington.
This quote is especially important for aspiring actors. Rejection and setbacks are inevitable, but they are also opportunities to learn and grow.
7. “No two performances are ever the same. That’s the beauty of live theatre.” – Glenn Close.
This quote highlights the unique nature of live acting. Every performance is a chance to bring something fresh and new to the character.
8. “If you can dream it, you can do it. Act the way you dream life to be.” – William Shakespeare (adapted for acting).
Shakespeare’s famous quote is adapted here to inspire actors to be bold and create characters that embody their fullest potential.
9. “The truth is always the simplest thing. Complexity comes from avoiding the truth.” – Tennessee Williams.
This quote from playwright Williams is important for actors to consider. Authenticity and emotional honesty are key to creating believable characters.
10. “Acting is not about showing off, it’s about giving yourself away.” – Marilyn Monroe.
Great acting requires vulnerability and the willingness to expose the character’s inner self.
11. “There are no small parts, only small actors.” – Constance Collier.
This quote reminds actors that every role, no matter how seemingly insignificant, deserves their full commitment and focus.
12. “Acting is believing in imaginary circumstances.” – Stanislavski.
This quote from the influential acting theorist Stanislavski emphasizes the importance of immersing yourself in the character’s world and truly believing in their reality.
13. “The business of acting is not to get lines right. It’s to find the truth that’s underneath the lines.” – Arthur Miller.
Playwright Arthur Miller highlights that memorizing lines is just the first step. The true challenge lies in discovering the deeper meaning behind the words.
14. “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb (adapted for acting).
This proverb applies to the perseverance required in the acting industry. Rejection is common, but resilience is key to achieving success.
15. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller (adapted for acting).
This quote from Helen Keller reminds actors that the most powerful performances connect with the audience on an emotional level.