Film Acting: An Introvert's Playground
One might think that the best actors are extroverted, and you are wrong— there are many actors that are introverted and many that are ambiverts. Like any art, acting takes lots of discipline and the ability to sit alone with a script for hours. Not only do you have to study this script to memorize it, but you also have to study it to understand the story and be able to bring it to life.
Introverts get energy from alone time, and they tend to enjoy sitting with a script more than a typical extrovert. Just like playing piano or cello takes time by yourself to master the art, the same goes for actors— they must be okay being alone for long periods of time. Even though they end up in front of audience, the foundation for their performance starts in private. Introverts tend to be good listeners who observe the crowd or the conversation instead of jumping in to conversation all the time. They also tend to be empathetic and deep feelers and thinkers.
Jency Hogan working with introverted student Cameron Durocher in class at Love Acting in Baton Rouge
Emotional intelligence is a huge asset for actors. Understanding human frailty and being intrigued with how humans behave is one of the most important aspects of being a great actor. Truly seeing human interaction as fascinating is a quality I see in a lot of great actors. Many actors I know are actually pretty shy in real life, but when the camera comes on, they come to life. Many people don’t realize this and underestimate how much they would enjoy acting, even though they are an introvert. They think they have to be bold and charismatic in order to become an actor. But the great qualities of an actor are being a good listener, having emotional intelligence, and a curiosity about how humans work. Many actors study psychology in school because they feel like the human study is so fascinating.
No matter who you are— introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, come try out an acting class at Love Acting in Baton Rouge— acting is for all.