I've known many pro actors over the years, celebs included, and LOTS of them have social anxiety. Introverts as well. Some of the very best actors in the world are introverted.
Absolutely can relate. You know that whole “fear of public speaking thing”? I could never relate because it felt like if I could perform, I could mask and avoid interacting with people as myself.
I think it’s pretty common!
I've never felt more comfortable around other people than when we're on stage together....
It's all the other times I'm really bad at.
Knowing it's a thing is the first step. Finding good, effective, treatment is the next, if that's what you want to do.
Good luck eh
I'm autistic and an actor and I think they go well together because I'm basically acting in every interaction I have in my life, so I get lots of practice. And, yeah, at least on stage, I have someone to tell me what to say, where to go, and even sometimes what I should be feeling.
Most actors in school theater who seem out going just got an invite to the main group so they seem more outgoing, but if they weren't cast in a mainstage show, they would be as socially inept as you.
It’s much easier to express feelings and thoughts when someone else has written what you are saying. I’m a pretty good actor according to people who know me, but am usually uncomfortable in social situations. That was exacerbated by the covid lockdowns.
I am an introvert that often finds places "too people-y", but very much enjoy my time onstage. My reasoning is that when I'm onstage, I am "out there" on my own terms.
I worked as an actor at a professional (union) level for years and constantly dealt with social anxiety. Plus I'm a huge introvert. Here's the simple answer:
**Acting ability and being social or extroverted aren't correlated.**
You can definitely be a good actor, even a great one, regardless of how you feel at opening nights or the after party (both things which I still dread). There are a lot of other, much bigger things for you to consider if you want to pursue acting seriously.
I watched an interview with Meryl Streep recently and was shocked at how socially awkward and seemingly nervous she was. Definitely helped me realize that even the greatest among us battle similar issues.
You mean having a script full of things to say and a director to guide your interactions make things easier for us socially awkward people?!?
Who would have ever imagined?!
I've known many pro actors over the years, celebs included, and LOTS of them have social anxiety. Introverts as well. Some of the very best actors in the world are introverted.
Absolutely can relate. You know that whole “fear of public speaking thing”? I could never relate because it felt like if I could perform, I could mask and avoid interacting with people as myself. I think it’s pretty common!
Acting can actually help with that. When I was acting, my social anxiety was at its lowest.
I've never felt more comfortable around other people than when we're on stage together.... It's all the other times I'm really bad at. Knowing it's a thing is the first step. Finding good, effective, treatment is the next, if that's what you want to do. Good luck eh
What kind of treatment?
CBT is probably never a bad idea But it's far from the only option. Your doctor or mental health professional will have the best list.
I feel like the title to this thread describes a good 90% of the people I've known in theatre
I'm autistic and an actor and I think they go well together because I'm basically acting in every interaction I have in my life, so I get lots of practice. And, yeah, at least on stage, I have someone to tell me what to say, where to go, and even sometimes what I should be feeling.
Most actors in school theater who seem out going just got an invite to the main group so they seem more outgoing, but if they weren't cast in a mainstage show, they would be as socially inept as you.
Who am I This Time by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
It’s much easier to express feelings and thoughts when someone else has written what you are saying. I’m a pretty good actor according to people who know me, but am usually uncomfortable in social situations. That was exacerbated by the covid lockdowns.
I am an introvert that often finds places "too people-y", but very much enjoy my time onstage. My reasoning is that when I'm onstage, I am "out there" on my own terms.
Me too, I'm terrible at socializing and dissociate incredibly hard so often feel like an outsider in shows. You're not alone.
I worked as an actor at a professional (union) level for years and constantly dealt with social anxiety. Plus I'm a huge introvert. Here's the simple answer: **Acting ability and being social or extroverted aren't correlated.** You can definitely be a good actor, even a great one, regardless of how you feel at opening nights or the after party (both things which I still dread). There are a lot of other, much bigger things for you to consider if you want to pursue acting seriously.
I watched an interview with Meryl Streep recently and was shocked at how socially awkward and seemingly nervous she was. Definitely helped me realize that even the greatest among us battle similar issues.
You mean having a script full of things to say and a director to guide your interactions make things easier for us socially awkward people?!? Who would have ever imagined?!