Great Actors reach out and touch us by what they give from themselves, their availability to themselves, to other actors in the scene, and the material. They fill us with feelings and responses because they have so generously and honestly connected and given of their own rich instrument. They accomplish this communication from a disciplined and organic center, not by presenting a psychodrama of neuroses. It is the absolute responsibility of good and healthy acting teachers to understand the difference in the above and dedicate themselves to helping any actor that comes their way to understanding that difference. Acting can be a wonderfully rewarding “sane obsession” in pursuit of the craft. It can, and should be, a healthy journey, not a self-destructive one. You may never make a living out of acting, but doing it well from a healthy base can certainly give your life untold pleasure.
