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There have been so many stellar names in the entertainment industry that enjoyed successful careers on both stage and screen. A majority of actors don’t, however, and there are subtle to huge differences in training for the two. Here are some main ways that stage and screen acting differ.
Characters
In theater, audiences and critics are likely to compare actors to previous versions of the same show, as many stage characters have been played and rendered over and over, such that people often going to the theater are already familiar with the material. In film or TV, on the other hand, an actor is almost certainly the only person to play any given character, so he or she is the only reference point. There’s more leeway in screen acting to develop a character than there is in performing a stage character.
Facial expressions and body gestures
In a theater, the stage is likely to be far away from the audience, and there’s a need for actors to exaggerate facial expressions and gestures so even those in the back row can witness what’s going on. TV or film acting closes this gap better, and as a result of the close-up perspective, actors can be more, controlled, or natural in their gestures.
Preparation and performance
In theater plays and shows, a lot of time is allotted for rehearsals, and once the curtain rises there’s no second chance. Lines need to be thrown perfectly and performed properly. In film and TV, meanwhile, script changes and run-throughs take place before the cameras start to roll, so there’s more flexibility needed.
Mike Giuffrida is an LA-based student trying to break through the entertainment industry. Learn more on this page.
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