Acting Without the Drama

November 24, 2008.  There are things that, for me, are just sublime.  One of those things is a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich after Thanksgiving.

Oh, wait.

I’m sorry.

That’s a Turkey and Cranberry Sauce Sandwich (you can tell how much I love them by the fact that all the important words are capitalized).

I know that to many, it may seem like an absolute train wreck.  But to me, it is as close to perfection as I think I can get in this life.  The savory, tender turkey.  The sweet and slightly tart cranberry sauce.

I like my Turkey and Cranberry Sauce Sandwiches to be made with Romaine lettuce on whole grain wheat bread.  I’m not an animal.

Although I do draw the line at sprouts.  Sorry.

The point here is, while this sandwich may appeal to many, it certainly will not appeal to all.  And that’s okay.

As an actor, I want everyone to appreciate my Talent (note the continued use of capitals…in this instance with a slight tint of self-deprecatory humor).  Clearly, if I’m good enough, everyone can agree that I’m awesome.

But sometimes they won’t.  And, again, that’s okay.

Ultimately, if everyone liked us, it would probably indicate that we weren’t taking enough risks.  We’re maybe playing it a little safe.

If we want audiences to love us, we need to risk them hating us (or strongly disliking us, if that helps us to sleep better at night) from time to time.  Not risking for risking’s sake, but allowing ourselves to step outside of what’s comfortable for us.

So, let’s risk the audience’s displeasure from time to time.  Don’t court it.  Don’t plan it.  Just risk it.

Maybe we’ll receive accolades.  Maybe some jeers.

They both help build a better actor.

Then next time, we can talk about a Rueben’s. 

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