The desire to be the center of attention can be so single-minded that there are actors who will sabotage the work of other actors who are doing scenes with them. Yes, it’s horrible. Yes, it’s inartistic. But that craving can so dominate some people that it will misguidedly cause them to corrupt an entire production.
Actors should want everyone they’re acting opposite to be at their best so that it brings out the best in them. They should try to make every project they are in as fantastic as it can possibly be; whether that means helping every performance to be topnotch or helping build the set. If you want to be a showoff, that’s great, but if you are playing a supporting character and you don’t understand that your function is to set up the lead, you’re going to be sadly surprised by the final cut (if not outright fired). This advice can seem counter-intuitive but if you want to get the best attention possible, figure out how your character serves the entire piece.
The best way to ensure being seen and seen again is to have people want to continue to work with you. That guy whose performance you’ve undermined may go on to have great success or make important connections, and when he
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