<p>Hi everyone! So some might argue that this post does not belong on the MT thread of CC, but I think it does. My question is does a performer have to be an outgoing person? I mean, onstage I am able to to relax and just do whatever and have fun. But I can sometimes come across as a little shy to people that I don’t (maybe we all are). And it’s not that I don’t like talking to people (I love to have conversations with people, actually), but that I sometimes feel uncomfortable approaching new people and making friends. However, I can be assertive if I need to be (certainly not in a mean way, though) and my shyness does not keep me back from auditioning at places that I have never been before. Do you guys think that it would be worth it to try and work on my social skills in order to grow as an actor?</p>
<p>HI- Social skills are always good, but I have been surprised how many famous movie actors start interviews by saying, “I’m actually shy.” My daughter is shy but like you not a bit on stage. It might be a good idea to grab an adult and try some practice interviews so you get used to that situation for college interviews next year.</p>
<p>Yoshi, I have long ago and then continuously recognized this duality in performers. There are, of course the bold, loud, “look at me”, or simply I love entertaining you and I know you love me - type personalities that one would naturally expect to be an entertainer. Then there are lots of folks at the other extreme who are quiet, even shy who use the stage to “let go” and express themselves. Of course, this represents a spectrum and folks fall in all along the way. But, to your question - it is not at all unusual for persons that seem shy to shine on stage.</p>
<p>I agree with what has already been said. As long as you are comfortable in auditions, I can’t see that it would in any way affect your “castability”. One of my favorite local actors is absolutely fantastic on stage and will take on any role, no matter how outlandish. Off stage, he is a very unassuming and quiet person, and a bit shy. He told me that the hardest thing for him to do is to get up in front of a group for a speech, such as in a speech class, or in a business meeting. However, put him on a stage as an actor and he is wonderful and natural. He says that when he is acting, he feels totally free to let go. I have read this about several more well known actors, so it sounds like you are in good company!</p>
<p>There’s been a lot of talk about Mark Rylance’s Best Actor Tony Speech this year, which was actually a poem, and why he simply recited a poem rather than speaking. A director close to him says he’s actually very shy:</p>
<p>[The</a> weird world of Mark Rylance - Features, Theatre & Dance - The Independent](<a href=“The weird world of Mark Rylance | The Independent | The Independent”>The weird world of Mark Rylance | The Independent | The Independent)</p>
<p>But as classicalbk says, it is important to get some interview practice so you are comfortable enough to allow the auditors at auditions to get a glimpse of your personality and intellect. Just the fact that you asked the question shows that you have great awareness!</p>