What Doest It Means To Be An Actor?

This is a question I toss around in my mind from time to time. Over the years, the answer has varied. A subtitle could be, "How do I define success as an actor?"

Sure, a young actor's starry eyes are filled with visions of fame and fortune and posing on the red carpet. I know mine were. We all know too that a real actor is passionate about acting, about theatre and film. The other stuff is great, of course, but we all tell ourselves that we would act even if we were only performing in a church basement for free. That's not practical either.

At first, I'd tell every aspiring actor that of course, he or she could become a big star! As I matured, I realized how desirable it is to be a working actor, nevermind the A list. Hard work, study, training, practice, experience, professionalism -- all these things could add up to a satisfying career as an actor. But it isn't quite that easy, is it? It takes a lot of fortitude -- and a lot of love of what you're doing -- to remain a dramatic artist. I think I'm arriving at yet another understanding of what it means to be an actor. I was listening today to Olympia Dukakis on the radio, discussing her life and career as an actor. As I listened another description began to take shape: an actor is not much different than any other working man. Just as painters and poets, sculptors and other artists seek to illuminate what's best in humanity, and just as we reach out to each other just to know we're not alone, the actor can find fulfillment in simply a job well done.

Words are inadequate today, but I'll think on this and take it up again. . . . .

DREAMS at 1515 Broadway

Another opening night! This year we're producing a very interesting play from our past called Dreams. I have to say that although we've worked with some good actors in the past, this year's group is probably the most "even" we've worked with, meaning the level of skill across the board is consistent. Normally, in a group of actors with serious aspirations, there are a few very strong actors amid a group of solid actors and a few who have difficulty holding their own. Not so this year.

We had a success last night -- no disasters, thank God! Congratulations, Jeff, Aaron, Ahmad, Don, Leon, Rhys, Ian, Ann Marie, Jen, Shayla, Maiya, Marcel, Jim, Mary, Tony, Lauren, Josh, Cheryl, Scott, Joey and Rochelle! I'm so proud of you!

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I'd also like to thank my "gal Friday" -- on Friday -- Megan Otzen. I'm very excited about encouraging her talents in the world of film and theatre production design and art direction. We ventured out to the workshops of the Grosse Pointe Theater to pick up some last minute wardrobe items. Rick at the GPT was wonderfully kind and helpful. And funny too. His love and knowledge of costume design for theatre is inspiring.

Well, it'll be off to 1515 Broadway soon... Bye for now!