Inevitably, we "meet" a character somewhere between what was imagined by the writer when writing and who we are. That's what makes an interpretation uniquely ours. By being chosen to play that character, someone is making the determination that we are what they see is right for the embodiment of their vision of that character. So, absolutely, yes, in my opinion, we are there to serve the writer and the story, but bring to it the depth of our perspective and experience.
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monterey morrissey
May 20
MontereyMorrissey,
Loved this question and your response. I too am at the service of the writer & director. I can ask questions of both if avyamd open but primarily I’m there to get it off the page a give it life. Otherwise I should be in improv unless of course I’m ask to give my two cents. Love it, thanks
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kovar mcclure
May 20
I might disagree with you on this one just a little bit, Michael. I think that perhaps the concept of finding "your own voice" as an artist could be extended to your "point of view" as an artist. I think we can embody a character that we don't share a lived experience, while simultaneously holding true to our own artistic point of view of the world we live in. For example. It would be your own artistic point of view that would perhaps keep you from even participating in a new play that gave a message that you think might be overtly homophobic, antisemitic or grossly misogynistic, for example. You may play those characters that hold those views …
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Jon Fiore
May 20
I agree with you Michael. My job is to create a character the playwright / screenwriter had in mind. Give them something they never thought of. We are consultants !!! We bring the characters to life. ❤️🙏
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David Harrison
May 20
I agree with you on this. When I am playing a role I aim to serve the playwright/screenwriter. AND I have things I need to say in my own voice - which is why I have been creating my own work for so many years. Because of that, it’s easier to serve the vision of another writer, when I am cast in a role.
Inevitably, we "meet" a character somewhere between what was imagined by the writer when writing and who we are. That's what makes an interpretation uniquely ours. By being chosen to play that character, someone is making the determination that we are what they see is right for the embodiment of their vision of that character. So, absolutely, yes, in my opinion, we are there to serve the writer and the story, but bring to it the depth of our perspective and experience.
MontereyMorrissey,
Loved this question and your response. I too am at the service of the writer & director. I can ask questions of both if avyamd open but primarily I’m there to get it off the page a give it life. Otherwise I should be in improv unless of course I’m ask to give my two cents. Love it, thanks
I might disagree with you on this one just a little bit, Michael. I think that perhaps the concept of finding "your own voice" as an artist could be extended to your "point of view" as an artist. I think we can embody a character that we don't share a lived experience, while simultaneously holding true to our own artistic point of view of the world we live in. For example. It would be your own artistic point of view that would perhaps keep you from even participating in a new play that gave a message that you think might be overtly homophobic, antisemitic or grossly misogynistic, for example. You may play those characters that hold those views …
I agree with you Michael. My job is to create a character the playwright / screenwriter had in mind. Give them something they never thought of. We are consultants !!! We bring the characters to life. ❤️🙏
I agree with you on this. When I am playing a role I aim to serve the playwright/screenwriter. AND I have things I need to say in my own voice - which is why I have been creating my own work for so many years. Because of that, it’s easier to serve the vision of another writer, when I am cast in a role.