#139: Professional Actors Apparently Feel The Same.

Today, I had to privilege to shoot a short promotional video with two professional actors. It was fun. One of them made a statement that stuck with me.

«I hate those moments and often don’t really know what to say.»

Not sure how the subject of having to introduce yourself came up, but it did. And since I had spent quite some time on this in the preparation of my recent workshop, I was curious about what they had to say.

It turned out that one of their answers really surprised me. Why should it? Just because someone is trained in holding long monologues in various settings doesn’t mean that she feels comfortable telling her own story to a stranger or possibly even a full audience.

To say who we are and what defines us is deeply personal and we don’t always have the appetite to disclose that kind of information to just anyone at any given point in time.

The other actor’s response was rather different. He said that he was used to answering such question.

«I have my script.»

Cool!

Following a script or reciting your CV might ultimately not make such a difference. In both cases, I am wondering if you actually do offer a glimpse into your inner self. You might well have decided that you don’t want to.

I walked away from the conversation convinced that as soon as you invite others into your world, it gets personal, which is when we all struggle. Some obviously more than others.

Pro or amateur? They don’t seem to differ in this particular case.