What's It All About?

It's not about talent. It's not about great performances.

It’s not about getting paid. It’s not about taking classes.

It’s not about what the actor is feeling or thinking.

It’s certainly not about audience. Performing artists have no control over their audiences. Audiences are an utterly random component of theatre. Some may be on the edge of their seats, earnestly attempting to have the experience the performers intend them to have. But there are always others who are hardly in attendance at all, grateful for darkness, for a distraction that doesn’t dwell long in their awareness.

So what’s it all about? It’s about doing it, the process of art. You do the art, you’re done. No one should presume to insist to you what art is and is not, they must presume you know. This is because your art is one thing that’s utterly yours.

If you believe this, it’s easier to let the rest of it go: all the times you’re not cast, poor production values, rude people—as well as rave reviews, lucrative contracts with per diem, and the feeling you nailed it, were the consummate Hamlet (or all-beef hotdog). Yes, besides the pain, you can let the kudos and the glamour go, too, if you’ve ever known them.

Just do it, your art. Chances are someone will appreciate it.