Acting in straight plays

[ForTheLoveOfLea]

Posted: 9/13/05 at 9:04pm

Those of you guys who are into that, what do you feel are your greatest strengths and challenges? Do you guys feel any specific sensations when you are really into what you are doing? What are some of your favorite monologues to perform?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/13/05 at 9:10pm

Are you referring to "straight" plays as opposed to "gay" plays?

[timmetzner]

Posted: 9/14/05 at 1:53pm

Acting in a "straight" play is not that different from a musical. I mean good acting should translate across any medium. An actor must be emotionally invested, connected to the script, and above all passionate about what his or her character is trying to do and say. The only difference I see, is that it's easier in a musical to play the emotion, strong ballads and weepy music add immensely to your characterization. Thus the audience feels more connected emotionally as well.

As far as sensations, its always amazing in those moments where you forget where and who you are, and actually become the character. And afterwards you can't even remember time passing because you were so involved and so engaged. Thats the best thing, for me anyway, about acting in a straight play.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:22pm

Although musical theater will always be my "one true love," I really enjoy doing straight plays because they give you more to do as an actor. Most musical roles (from my experience anyway) don't challenge you that much as an actor, and you're painting broad strokes rather than getting into the nitty-gritty details of real-life like you do in straight plays. I love the opportunity that straight plays give you to be realistic and true to life.