The Great Acting Blog: “Security Breeds Selflessness?”

The Great Acting Blog: “Security Breeds Selflessness?”

“Security breeds selflessness”. I heard this recently via the sporting world and wondered how this might apply to the acting world, which is of course famous for it’s insecurities.

Security derives from trust, trusting and being trusted by those around you. Selflessness is generosity. When an actor doesn’t trust the director, he holds back from giving his best, he offers the minimum. Similarly a lack of trust among the actors in the group can lead to politicking, bitchiness and conflict, which stifles creativity and breeds inhibition. However, when the trust is there, the work becomes fun, we are outward looking, we take pride in the production, we go for it and we take care of our colleagues.

I’m a great believer that the best way to achieve personal success is to ensure that the production as a whole is a success, after all, rarely has an actor’s performance been deemed great in a mediocre or failed production.  It’s clear that when all within the company feel secure in their position, secure in their sense of self-worth, a happier and more productive environment is created. This in turn leads to a higher quality production which is better for everyone.  The question is however, how to create and maintain trust?

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