The Actor’s Responsibility: Showing Up Fully, Every Time
Guest post by Philip Hayden, Studio Director at Howard Fine Acting Studio
When I was starting out as an actor, I learned a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career. It wasn’t taught in a classroom or during a rehearsal, it was given to me, quite unexpectedly, by a fellow actor during a midweek matinee performance.
I was performing in a show in the UK, running eight times a week, including matinees. One afternoon, as I peeked behind the curtain before the show, I noticed the auditorium was only half full. Turning to my cast mates, I casually remarked, “Hardly anyone’s here! Save your energy for tonight.”
What happened next changed my perspective forever…
A fellow actress immediately responded, “No. These people pay your wages. They deserve the best show possible.” In that moment, I realised that as an actor, every single performance matters, whether the audience is a packed house on opening night or a quiet midweek matinee.
The Power of Presence
One of the fundamental teachings at Howard Fine Acting Studio is the principle of truth and authenticity in every performance. Great acting isn’t about external validation; it’s about committing to the role fully, every time, for every audience.
Why Every Audience Deserves Your Best
Whether you’re performing for an intimate black-box theatre crowd, a half-full matinee, or a sold-out opening night, your audience has chosen to spend their time and money on your performance. Every single person watching deserves your full presence and dedication.
Acting is a service. Your job is to tell a story, to move people, to give them an experience that leaves an impact. When you show up fully, you not only honour the audience but also yourself and your craft.
Staying Humble in the Industry
That moment in my career was a powerful reminder that humility is key to longevity in this industry. The moment an actor starts measuring their effort based on external factors; who’s in the audience, how prestigious the role is, or whether they “feel” inspired that day, they risk losing what makes them truly great. The actors who last in this business are the ones who understand that every role, every show, and every audience matters.
Bringing It Back to the Work
At Howard Fine Acting Studio, we teach actors to bring the same level of truth and intensity to every scene, every audition, and every rehearsal. Acting is about making excellence your habit.
So the next time you step on stage or in front of the camera, remember - show up fully. You, the craft and your audience, deserve nothing less.