7 answers
Léo
Student
Saint-Georges, Canada
1
Question
Asked
531 views
I have a question for an actor. Is sometimes acting embarassing?
I am a 6th grade student
Login to comment
7 answers
Hank Isaac
Writer/Director
40
Answers
Ocean Shores, Washington
Updated
Hank’s Answer
Ben,
I'm not an actor but I am a film director who works with actors -- mostly young actors. I also acted in many, many school plays when I was your age and was also on the radio at age 12 in Manhattan (NYC).
So, yeah, there are moments when you can feel embarrassed. If... you let yourself feel that way.
Keep in mind this: There's what you know is happening at any given moment and how you feel about it, but then there's the audience (or whoever is watching) and what they know is likely completely different.
I tell my young actors, many of whom are in a film for the very first time, that mistakes and screw-ups are glorious. Why? Because they make your character human. I always hope all sorts of mistakes will be made 'cause lots of them are better that what was written.
FUNNY STORY:
A friend (grownup) who is an actor was in a professional stage play where he and other characters journeyed to some sort of mountain lodge for an enjoyable weekend. The play was set in the 1920s, so there was a lot of formality about behavior. Anyway, his character arrived late (it was in the script) and he had to go "up to his room" and change into more formal clothes for dinner.
So he had time for a costume change while the other actors continued the story at the bar. But he was taking too long to change -- there were problems with the costume -- and he could hear all the dialogue from where he was and he knew the time for him to re-enter and say his line -- an important one -- was getting closer and closer.
Soon he was out of time, so he waddled onto the stage in his underwear with his pants down around his ankles. He shimmied up to the bar and acted as if nothing was wrong.
Well, the audience went wild with uncontrollable laughter. The play was a comedy but none of the rest was THAT funny. And he kept his composure (and kept his pants around his ankles) for the entire scene.
It was so fabulous that the play's director kept it in subsequent performances.
So bottom line: He could have been embarrassed. He could have just come out really, really late (somehow). I suppose he could have stopped the play and apologized to the audience.
But he took an impending disaster and carved it into diamonds.
If you control the moment -- even if that control is just in your own mind -- it's really hard to feel embarrassed. You're telling a story to the audience. They're really on your side.
I remember one time I was in a play and forgot my next line. I panicked for a second then said literally, "I don't know what I'm supposed to say." I wandered the stage in a daze while the person who was in the scene with me followed me around open-mouthed. Then I remembered the line and delivered it.
The audience thought it was a clever part of the story.
As an actor, you hold all the cards. The audience can't tell what you're thinking.
Unless you let them.
So Léo... go break a leg!
/h
If you find yourself in a play or film where you have to do something you consider embarrassing, remember: It's not YOU doing it, it's the character.
If you believe an embarrassing line or scene is coming up, try to give yourself permission to do something you never imagined you could.
If you need to do something you find weird -- sit in a girl's lap, kiss another boy, stick your face in a pie, have your pants fall down... whatever, trust me -- you'll be seen as a hero.
Besides, in the end, it's all just pretend anyway.
I'm not an actor but I am a film director who works with actors -- mostly young actors. I also acted in many, many school plays when I was your age and was also on the radio at age 12 in Manhattan (NYC).
So, yeah, there are moments when you can feel embarrassed. If... you let yourself feel that way.
Keep in mind this: There's what you know is happening at any given moment and how you feel about it, but then there's the audience (or whoever is watching) and what they know is likely completely different.
I tell my young actors, many of whom are in a film for the very first time, that mistakes and screw-ups are glorious. Why? Because they make your character human. I always hope all sorts of mistakes will be made 'cause lots of them are better that what was written.
FUNNY STORY:
A friend (grownup) who is an actor was in a professional stage play where he and other characters journeyed to some sort of mountain lodge for an enjoyable weekend. The play was set in the 1920s, so there was a lot of formality about behavior. Anyway, his character arrived late (it was in the script) and he had to go "up to his room" and change into more formal clothes for dinner.
So he had time for a costume change while the other actors continued the story at the bar. But he was taking too long to change -- there were problems with the costume -- and he could hear all the dialogue from where he was and he knew the time for him to re-enter and say his line -- an important one -- was getting closer and closer.
Soon he was out of time, so he waddled onto the stage in his underwear with his pants down around his ankles. He shimmied up to the bar and acted as if nothing was wrong.
Well, the audience went wild with uncontrollable laughter. The play was a comedy but none of the rest was THAT funny. And he kept his composure (and kept his pants around his ankles) for the entire scene.
It was so fabulous that the play's director kept it in subsequent performances.
So bottom line: He could have been embarrassed. He could have just come out really, really late (somehow). I suppose he could have stopped the play and apologized to the audience.
But he took an impending disaster and carved it into diamonds.
If you control the moment -- even if that control is just in your own mind -- it's really hard to feel embarrassed. You're telling a story to the audience. They're really on your side.
I remember one time I was in a play and forgot my next line. I panicked for a second then said literally, "I don't know what I'm supposed to say." I wandered the stage in a daze while the person who was in the scene with me followed me around open-mouthed. Then I remembered the line and delivered it.
The audience thought it was a clever part of the story.
As an actor, you hold all the cards. The audience can't tell what you're thinking.
Unless you let them.
So Léo... go break a leg!
/h
Hank recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for your advice and time. This really helped me.
Léo
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Leo,
So, yea, Acting can totally feel embarrassing at times, but that’s part of the magic! It pushes you out of your comfort zone, and the more you do it, the less awkward it feels. My sister is into the entertainment industry and psychology, so I’ve heard plenty about this.
A big trick is to remember—you’re not you on stage; you’re the character. If the scene is awkward, it’s them being awkward, not you. And sometimes, the most embarrassing moments turn into the most legendary performances (like the guy who waddled on stage in his underwear because of a costume mishap—now that’s commitment!).
If you feel embarrassed, use it! Acting is about showing emotions, after all. Plus, every actor has an embarrassing story, and those are the ones people laugh about later.
So,
Focus on the fun. If you’re having fun, the audience will too.
Embarrassing scenes? Go all in! Half-committing makes it worse.
Mistakes? Own them. Some of the best moments happen by accident.
Everyone gets embarrassed—pros just turn it into part of the act.
So go for it! Whether you’re playing a mad scientist, a robot, or a tree, make it the best mad scientist, robot, or tree ever. All the best Leo hope I could help clear a few things! 😎
So, yea, Acting can totally feel embarrassing at times, but that’s part of the magic! It pushes you out of your comfort zone, and the more you do it, the less awkward it feels. My sister is into the entertainment industry and psychology, so I’ve heard plenty about this.
A big trick is to remember—you’re not you on stage; you’re the character. If the scene is awkward, it’s them being awkward, not you. And sometimes, the most embarrassing moments turn into the most legendary performances (like the guy who waddled on stage in his underwear because of a costume mishap—now that’s commitment!).
If you feel embarrassed, use it! Acting is about showing emotions, after all. Plus, every actor has an embarrassing story, and those are the ones people laugh about later.
So,
Focus on the fun. If you’re having fun, the audience will too.
Embarrassing scenes? Go all in! Half-committing makes it worse.
Mistakes? Own them. Some of the best moments happen by accident.
Everyone gets embarrassed—pros just turn it into part of the act.
So go for it! Whether you’re playing a mad scientist, a robot, or a tree, make it the best mad scientist, robot, or tree ever. All the best Leo hope I could help clear a few things! 😎
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
17
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
No, Leo, acting is not embarrassing. It's a serious performing art that deserves respect like any other form of art. And it demands great talent, skills and hard work.
There might be moments that feel awkward. That's usually because the actor has not connected with the character body, mind and soul. Once the actor gets connected, it will be a totally beautiful moment, free of anxiety, or any degree of embarrassment.
Hope this helps :)
There might be moments that feel awkward. That's usually because the actor has not connected with the character body, mind and soul. Once the actor gets connected, it will be a totally beautiful moment, free of anxiety, or any degree of embarrassment.
Hope this helps :)
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
36
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hank’s response is spot on. Those happy accidents are some of the most memorable things you’ll see in live theater. As a performer, those are the stories you’ll be telling for years!
To add, I’d also say that YES, acting can be embarrassing and not even when you make a mistake. Acting is a chance for you to be someone else and to do something you wouldn’t normally do. When your friends see you dance in a way you wouldn’t normally dance, or say something you wouldn’t normally say, it can feel embarrassing. They might laugh at the strangeness of it, even if it’s supposed to be serious. It can be embarrassing to be laughed at.
BUT, the stage is a magical place. The rules of reality don’t apply there. On stage, you can yell at your teachers. You can run away from home. You can be the bully in the story, so people learn how awful it is to be the bully. You can be an animal. You can be a tree. You can be a robot or an alien. It may be embarrassing at first, but the more you do it, the more you’ll experience the freedoms that comes from acting. You’ll feel alive and free.
And when there are others around you that also want to act and feel free on stage, eventually it won’t be embarrassing anymore. Be patient with your friends and yourself and you’ll be applauded for stepping out of your comfort zone to do what you love.
To add, I’d also say that YES, acting can be embarrassing and not even when you make a mistake. Acting is a chance for you to be someone else and to do something you wouldn’t normally do. When your friends see you dance in a way you wouldn’t normally dance, or say something you wouldn’t normally say, it can feel embarrassing. They might laugh at the strangeness of it, even if it’s supposed to be serious. It can be embarrassing to be laughed at.
BUT, the stage is a magical place. The rules of reality don’t apply there. On stage, you can yell at your teachers. You can run away from home. You can be the bully in the story, so people learn how awful it is to be the bully. You can be an animal. You can be a tree. You can be a robot or an alien. It may be embarrassing at first, but the more you do it, the more you’ll experience the freedoms that comes from acting. You’ll feel alive and free.
And when there are others around you that also want to act and feel free on stage, eventually it won’t be embarrassing anymore. Be patient with your friends and yourself and you’ll be applauded for stepping out of your comfort zone to do what you love.
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
8
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Yo, Leo... yes, acting is sometimes embarrassing. But... check this out; as an actor, you get to play embarrassing! You get to act embarrassed! Yup, acting has it all. Embarrassment. Anger. Frightening. Sad. Joyful. Winning, losing. As an actor, you get to act out all these feelings and then a whole ton more.
Yeah, you'll get embarrassed every now and then. On the stage, and in real life. Cool thing is you can take all your life experiences and act them out and use them on the stage. And EVERYBODY gets embarrassed. And there's worse things on stage; ask a comedian sometime about "bombing" on the stage. Yeah. When all your jokes aren't working, and the audience BOOS you. Oof. But every comedian has a "bomb" story, and every actor has an embarrassing story. Some have both!
Don't sweat it, Leo. Just go for it.
Yeah, you'll get embarrassed every now and then. On the stage, and in real life. Cool thing is you can take all your life experiences and act them out and use them on the stage. And EVERYBODY gets embarrassed. And there's worse things on stage; ask a comedian sometime about "bombing" on the stage. Yeah. When all your jokes aren't working, and the audience BOOS you. Oof. But every comedian has a "bomb" story, and every actor has an embarrassing story. Some have both!
Don't sweat it, Leo. Just go for it.
Jill Lucas
Screenwriter
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Yes, it can be embarrassing, and ironically, that's okay! It's overwhelming to act as someone else and have other people watch you act this certain way. However, in the end, you realize how much fun you actually had :))
Ishaaq Husnah
Help manage occupation
6
Answers
Moro, KW
Updated
Ishaaq’s Answer
Yes acting can sometimes be embarrassing.for example you are to play the role of a mad man/woman of course you would have to wear the costume and all that,and you are also going to dance like them, sing like them.most importantly bring the character into reality inorder to captivate and convince your audience that the man is actually mad isn't it.you don't have to feel or think about the embarrassing part,the important part is deliver your role excellently.