THEATRE9/12 is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit actors' studio for continued training and the facilitation of actors' productions

Artistic Director: Charles Waxberg

Artistic Associate: Terry Edward Moore

Producing Director: Paul O'Connell

Charles@Theatre912.com                   (206) 332-7908

“I think I’m getting it.”

Sir John Gielgud after his 3rd production playing playing

King Lear

WHAT IS "ACTOR DEVELOPMENT?"

When we began acting, many of us exuberantly anticipated getting cast in and embodying any role. We studied the great characters and in the process, stretched our talents to reach successes that seemed beyond our grasp.  Our triumphs boosted the vastness of our talent; our screw-ups expanded our skills through invaluable experience.

When we made the transition from student to professional, we learned the “bizness” side, limited to marketing ourselves and pursuing roles most suited for our perceived type.

However, during this adjustment, the muscles we stretched in all directions begin to atrophy, that enthusiasm for talent development jaded over, forced to focus on the professional demands from our agents, casting directors and current trends.

Like runners who work out their entire bodies even though their legs are taxed most, the seriously professional actor must keep all their craft and talent exercised or their performances deteriorate into unnuanced and narrowly interpreted characters: the formula for mediocrity.

Actor development is a process through which trained, working actors stay in shape, expand their skills, stimulate their talents, and rejuvenate the inspirational excitement that got lost under the American actor's pragmatic career demands.

Student:  "But Stella, I’m an actress!"

Stella Adler: "Isn’t that interesting; I’m a student."