Why do *you* want to act?

Forgive me if I'm getting a little over-excited with thread-starting. I've only just started using the Student board and I'm not sure why I didn't start sooner. I did do a search, but there doesn't seem to be a thread on this...

Anyway! Why do *you* want to act? It's one of those questions that could have so many different answers, and I'm intrigued as to what motivates you guys.

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Nice avatar btw

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"As I've heard many actors say "It's like breathing." "

It sounds chiche, but that's just it. When 'm on stage, every other worry in the world just goes away. I'm in the moment and nothing feels better. I love entertaining an audience and playing off of their reaction. It's just so natural, and truely the best feeling. Is it possible for me to sound more corny? ehh i don't think so. =)

Passion for the craft. I think about performing all the time and I work HARD to improve everyday.

You can really really vent a lot of frustration in character and get away with it completely. For example, my friend and I were in an improv where my wife was cheating on me with him, my best friend. As a result, I got to completely piss off my friend in character and he likewise and, in just a few moments, everything was completely fine and we were out of character.

And yet it felt so real.

It's an escape from reality.

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I suppose I act for a variety of reasons. Obviously it's an escape, and an excuse to be outlandish. Another reason, which is unique to the theatre, is the connection formed between an actor and their audience that is simply electric. To be able to directly affect the emotional state of hundreds of people simultaneously is an amazing feeling. Also as an actor who usually fills comedic roles, I know that laughter is crack. The first time you have an audience laugh at you, you're immediately addicted.
Another reason, which I'd imagine is unique to me (at least on this board), is that acting gives me a great deal of insight into (what I'd love to be my future career) directing. I think that some directors forget what it is like to be an actor, and I find that to be incredibly important to the directing process.
I really just love all things theatre. Lately, I've become fascinated by lighting and set design.

Besides the fact that I love doing it and am able to release any inhibitions that I might have in real life when being a character, I like acting because of the insights you receive on humanity in general. All the sudden you find yourself able to connect to and relate to anybody and everybody including killers or royalty.

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because its like you get to be someone you want to be and no one could make fun of you for that. i mean like someday i want to play a lesbian but i am straight, or play the popular girl but i am more of the outcast. see what i mean

It's a way for me to contribute to the artistic community. I love the creative process, and I love the opportunity to share the truth of the words with an audience.

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i used to do weird characters all the time and acting affords me the opportunity to not being eaten