I find myself unable to talk with alot of people about anything aside from acting/theatre/movies. I think it's about me being afraid about not knowing what to talk about and since I am obsessed with acting, it is in my comfort zone and I feel confident talking about that.

I'm doing better now, but it may happen soon, and I'd like to be...prepared. Haha.

Anyone else do that? I know I'm not the only one...

I can't communicate with many people if they are not into acting etc anymore. You are not alone!!!

It's an illness that I hope I never overcome, lol.

Do you find when forced to socialize with those "out of the loop" that when you say stuff like "I was on this show" or "I was in that film" that people sort of just switch off and act like you're full of shit? Like they are thinking "yeah people DO act but not noone I know and SURE you were on that show. You can't really be an actor, aspiring or otherwise" - as people are actually BORN celebrities etc like the stork brings babies- LOL!!!

Try bartending in Gramercy.... I've actually had customers (usually investment banker types) say to me "You're an actor? Well, what have you been in?" one time I was telling a customer about a downtown show I was in and I think I used the words "off-off broadway". He actually laughed and said "well, you're not really an actress than yet, right?" (yes, he also tried to correct me when I said 'actor' not 'actress'). Yes Mr. Investment banker, I am an actress. Been doing it since I was 11 and probably have a larger and more varied education than you do in it. My new response technique has been to just walk away and not care so much. I feel like if I put too much energy into being upset with a douchebag who just tipped me 10% yet makes 200,000 a year I'll go crazy.

Has anyone read the beginning of "A Call to the Actor" by Uta Hagen? She talks about how in most of the arts people don't comment but because people feel they know more about acting and everyone is a critic. (After a ballet performance no one would ever go backstage and suggest that the prima ballerina should jump a little higher in her part but someone would definitely think to tell an actor "I think you should cry/be angrier/etc. during that spot")

Anyway, I know this post was a bit off of the original topic but I totally get what everyone is saying. But I think some of you are full of it (in a totally great and inspiring way). Miss Stone for example, some of the posts you've put about politics have been extremely insightful and beautiful. I think we as actors have to be very diverse and varied about what we talk about because who knows who you'll play next. Anyway, just rambling now...peace out.

I remember reading a 200 year-old sign over an ancient English pub that read: "No Dogs Or Actors Allowed."

In Roman times, hookers were given more respect than thespians (in certain political circles, they still are!).

Only now are actors given the respect they deserve, and only the wealthy or famous ones at that.

But what other life exists?

I like to think of ours as an exclusive club, in which mere mortals are not allowed. Kind of puts a perspective on things,
doncha think, TallyTal?

www.robertkim.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

Agreed 100%. It is a source of pride to know that we are part of this beautiful art that many people think they understand but they don't. Why do you think I love this message board so much!

But I also think it's important for actors to be well rounded people.

Sometimes I have this problem but I find it's most prevalent during the run of a show or around auditions.
I'm not sure about you all, but I find sometimes it's due to insecurity. I like to talk about acting a lot when something is bothering me, or I feel like I need to convince my self that I can do it or whatever.
But whatever the reason for talking about acting all the time, I feel like it's important to remember that to be better actors we must be active in all facets of life other then acting.
If it helps, think about how every experience you talk or learn about in life could later come in handy for a role!

I have to confess, I am annoyed by people who can only discuss one topic. Doesn't matter what the topic is, if that's all you care about or care to discuss, others will be bored by you.

And this comes from someone who has a hard time talking about anything except politics. SO I'm just as guilty.

quote:

Originally posted by Darbi, Everything Acting Podcast:
I have to confess, I am annoyed by people who can only discuss one topic. Doesn't matter what the topic is, if that's all you care about or care to discuss, others will be bored by you.

And this comes from someone who has a hard time talking about anything except politics. SO I'm just as guilty.

Okay, you reminded me. I can discuss ONE other thing- politics!!!