Lessons from a Theater Kid
February 7th, 2025
Writer: Emily Kauderer
Editor: Hana Pitchon
As an acting student, I have witnessed the full spectrum of reactions to my answer of the dreaded question of what my major is. Some people smile excitedly, telling me how unique and cool it is to be pursuing my passion. Others are shocked, like I suddenly turned into a different person altogether.
In the hazy basement of a fraternity two nights ago, a guy asked me what I am studying. When I said acting, he scoffed, “So, you just pretend to be someone else all day?”
This is usually the part where I abruptly change the subject, finding it easier than trying to explain the intricacies of being an acting student to a frat guy named Jack, whose only experience “acting” is when he is sober monitoring a party.
I don’t explain the grueling days of training, the hours spent building sets or running tech cues, or the intense preparation that goes into every performance. I don’t discuss the hours I spend on North Campus, within the walls of the Walgreen Lobby, where thousands of the most esteemed and talented performers in the industry have stepped before me.
But most of all– I don’t discuss just how wrong the flushed-faced boy is when it comes to the art of acting. Perhaps if I were braver I would tell him about the teachings of Sanford Meisner– whom many regard as the most influential acting instructor – who explains that acting is the very opposite of pretending.
To use Meisner’s words, “the foundation of acting is in the reality of doing”.
Contrary to what some might think, the vast majority of my time spent in acting training has nothing to do with lines or a script. Rather, we focus on movement and vocal repetition exercises, or speaking in languages only made up of unintelligible sounds (omnish). These exercises help us to understand what happens at the core of human interaction when words are treated as an afterthought. Instincts—and the ability to embrace them without suppression—are what make an actor truly exceptional.
Right now, are you reading these words, or are you pretending to be reading these words? Are you comprehending what I am saying, or are you pretending to understand the words on this page? We don’t pretend to do things in real life, we just do them. While many people get caught up in the analysis of a character, I have found that simply existing truthfully and carrying out real actions is the key to authentic performance. Acting is not pretending but rather becoming. Becoming someone, and creating reality.
Not only has my acting training aided my performances on stage and on screen, but it has amplified my experience as a college student, young woman, and human being in the modern world. For as long as I can remember, I have felt the need to fit in, follow the latest trend and purchase whatever fast fashion fad is currently in rotation. But truly living is different than just following the herd; just as doing is different than pretending.
Not everyone understands the commitments, sacrifices, and lessons that being in the BFA Acting program has taught me. But acting isn’t about pretending. It’s the purest form of creativity– about connecting to the core of what makes us human. And if that’s not worth studying, I don’t know what is.
Photo Credits: Emily Kauderer
