I was commenting tonight on a select group of actors I would do almost anything to be on stage with. I’ve been thinking about it since I’ve said it, and I imagine I can count them on one hand. This does not mean that I wouldn’t want to be on stage with some other actors, but there is a select group that have a special presence on stage that makes the time on stage a wonderful event.
A look, an action, a tone of voice that bring out the best in other actors on stage. They are the ones that push you to bring your best. Not by telling or lecturing, but by their actions and style. A select group indeed.
Are they the award winners? Some but not all. Are they the most friendly? That does not seem to matter. Are they the most knowledgeable? Often, but not always. The most talented? In a way, but not. Most comfortable on stage? Some are, some aren’t.
But just what makes them part of this group? That is what I’ve been trying to decipher. What puts one person on it, and leaves another off? I wish I knew. I’ll keep thinking about it, because I would like everyone I act with to be in that group. Can it be taught? 😉
I think a lot of what you’re speaking of is chemistry. I also have a handful of fellow thespians that I truly enjoy working with because they make me “feel my part.” I don’t know if it can be “taught” or not.
Good question….if you find out, let me know….
Chemistry is part of it, I’m sure, but not all of it to be sure. There is one thespian that I would drop almost everything to get on stage with. We’ve only been on stage together a limited amount of time, and with very few lines together, but something kicked in, and everything clicked. I know with that person it was how they applied themselves to the art or craft. It seemed to carry to everyone in the production. Very rare occurrence, but it would be worth any effort I could make.
I think the trouble I’m having is that there is something different about everyone in this select group, and there doesn’t seem to be a linking thread.
Good luck with your quest. By the way, I enjoyed the show. I had never seen it prior to last night, and was quite amused by the humor in it. Break a leg the remainder of the weekend! 🙂
I know exactly where you are coming from, j. I think it also has to do with presence and how much each performer is willing to give each other. The actors attitude to the total effect. How they interact with each other. Not easy to explain but you know it the moment you step onto the stage. One of the reasons I enjoy branching out is to find others I enjoy performing with but at the same time need to feel the security of “home.”
Oh, yes… Break a Leg on these last two performances. I know you will enjoy them both.
I was going to ask you if the group was celebrities or people you know (or celebrities that you know :)) But I guess you answered my question when you said you’ve been on stage with at least one of them before. Do we get to find out who is in the group or is it secret?
Hmm, a note for future reference – smileys don’t work when you put them next to a parenthesis.
Secret?? Yes and no. There are some very public, I imagine they would be on everyones list. Will I name them? I’m not sure I would want to put that kind of pressure on anyone. At least not on the internet. 🙂
Though I couldn’t hope to guess who you mean as I live 200 miles away, I do know what all of you mean about the chemistry. Maybe not the extreme chemistry of you and the one particular fellow thespian, but I have gotten close with many I have worked with for the duration of the show.
And L, I have learned to always check smilies on my own blog before I post as they quite often don’t work right for some reason. I don’t think they work when next to any character other than a space, and even then they sometimes don’t work.
I can guess your list:
Gene, Marylin, Denver, Bob
How did I do? 🙂
Chris
I’ll never post my list. Your guess may or may not be on target, but you, my friend, are beyond any list.
You want to direct, anything other than a musical, I’m in on it. You want to write something, give me a call. You’re trying out, I’ll be there if I’m able. You’re in it, and I’m not, I’ll be in the audience.
Don’t let this go to your head, you may not be able to sleep at night.
😉
Can’t sleep at night – correct! LOL
I’ll get the list eventually, but thanks for the very kind words. As you know the feeling is more-than-mutual.
I am trying to remember the (movie) character you reminded me of in Lion. I cannot get a clear picture of him — but when I do I will let you know. Either way, it was meant as a complement – a sinister character done well indeed!
Chris, sure you’ll get the list…. Good joke that.
I’m hoping you can come up with that sinister character. I’m curious.