Acting and Theatre.

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This is something I've been thinking about for a long, long time. Do any of you know people on the spectrum who have gone into drama, acting etc? I've heard people with aspergers are very good at it and there are some actors with autism. I'm also a musician and looking for a little more. I just need a little encouragement and advice. Thanks guys.

Well, I don't know anyone in theatre with AS besides me. (see name)

Performing at one point was THE last thing I ever thought I'd be doing at one point, but it has greatly helped me to be more confident talking with people and have improved my language skills (my stutter is almost nonexistent at this point). I guess you can call it a coping mechanism. Frankly, I can't see myself doing anything else at the same level of joy and accomplishment that acting/performing gives me and it is my major and future career. Take my word for it, there is no feeling quite like taking a bow at the end of a show to an applauding audience.

One thing that I would say to be aware of is that the world of theatre and performing in general is quite competitive. Be aware that you won't get cast in every show you audition for or you might not get the best role. I've haven't been cast for my fair share of productions, but I don't let it bother me because I am aware that I won't win every battle and that there will always be another and I like looking at it as meaning something better may be coming my way or it wasn't meant to be.

Also, coming from a theatre major who has been studying it for about four years now and have done shows from children's theatre to Shakespeare, acting is SO MUCH more than reciting lines on stage.

If you have any other questions regarding the theatre feel free to ask.

thanks for giving such an in depth answer. I'm the same as you were. I thought this was the last thing I would ever be doing with my life due to overwhelming social anxiety, but I'm slowly getting over it with therapy and medication. I've been inspired by multiple people so far. Call it a secret interest of mine. You say it is competitive, but does that also mean it can be quite nasty? I'm just going into college and I don't quite know what to do yet.

If the world of theatre is what you are overall interested in there are plenty of other things in the theatre that you could do (that are also more stable financially ) Before I started acting I did backstage work at a theatre camp. I enjoy building stuff and using tools so I also like working in the shop. I'm taking a theatre design class right now which is neat and also another possible job. I've worked with lighting once, there is costume design, dramaturgy, directing, theatre management, sound designer, there are many different fields of work in theatre!

Since you mentioned you are just going into college, here is a tip about what theatre degree to go for. I don't know if your college is a community college or a traditional 4 year school, but lets say you without a doubt you want to do acting. If you are going from high school straight to a 4 year school with a theatre program, if they have it and if you are comfortable with it, audition for the BFA. That solely focuses on acting and nothing else. I said "if you are comfortable" because from what I've heard they can be very rigorous and if you aren't living up to expectations then they could cut you from it. But if you think you can do it and it is available then it is worth doing.

If you are going to a 4 year school for a BA program, which is what I am in and focuses on all aspects of theatre, be sure to go to one with ONLY a BA program and not one with both a BA and BFA program. Reason being is that since the BFA is considered the 'higher up' or 'elite' theatre program, a majority of the resources and time will go to that program while the BA is treated as, putting it in my community college professors words, the "red-headed stepchild".

If you are going the way I went, which was getting my AA degree from my community college and then transferring to a 4 year university, then without a doubt go for the BA. Reason being is because in a BFA program, not all if any theatre classes and credits will transfer over, meaning you would essentially have to start from square one again, and all the time and money spent on those classes would be wasted. Since I am in a BA program at what The Princeton Review considers one of the top 3 theatre programs in NJ, every single theatre credit transferred over giving me a good head start right off the bat.

No matter what degree you choose, the most important thing is how good and reputable a school it is you are going to. For a casting director, a BA from a really good and well known school will hold more value than a BFA from a lesser known or quality school (also assuming you did well with the audition and you have the right look for a particular character). When I presented my four college choices to my community college theatre professor, he said if I could get into the school I am in now, don't even bother with the other three. And because of my grades from CC and my five page application essay, I got a scholarship I couldn't refuse as well as a variety of grants, loans, and a work/study job on campus which brought the cost of this private university (the most expensive college in NJ too) down to the average cost of an NJ State school.

If you do really well in school, doors will open up to success.

I'll be a little more specific. I'm going to a two year school then transferring to a four year. I never took it in HS. This would be my first time. If I do I'll definitely go for the BA. If you have anymore advice I'd be glad to read it.

Be open to any criticism and try not to take it personally. That is probably the most important.
Make sure when you get a role to ask yourself these three essential things about your character.
-Who are you?
-What do you want?
-How do you get it?
I've expanded upon this myself. What I ask is:
-Who are you?
-Where are you?
-What do you want?
-How do you get it?
-What is your super objective?
-What are your objectives? (how do you get to your super objective?)
-What is my relationship to the other characters?
Going into acting classes you'll hear about this stuff from your professor at some point. Listen to what he/she says since the skills being taught are what will set you apart from 75% of your competition if fully understood and used properly.
Never stop perfecting your craft. Anyone can recite lines on a stage, it takes a true craftsman to break down a script, know what each line means and its purpose in the play, understanding your character and others, know what words need to be stressed, know what certain words mean, and be connected to a character physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Well, obviously the Actor here has way more experience and practical advice. I just wanted to chime in, too. I haven't done theater professionally, but, I do public speaking in my industry.
I did Drama in high school on my older sister's advice. Everyone was totally shocked to see me performing on stage, as I never said two words otherwise.

Just as I am still kinda shy as an adult, I am still far more comfortable on a stage speaking to a large group than I am conversing socially in a small group.

I didn't like the dramatics from the other actors and the directing teacher, but, I just ignored it, as I try to do with office politics. If folks can, I recommend taking drama or public speaking courses. I may stumble over pleasantries, but, my bosses have always loved that I can give an engaging and informative talk when needed.

To agree with something MissDorkness said, a Public Speaking class is a great way to help improve clear speech, which is a vital part of the theatre. I took one myself and having the performing background definitely gave me an edge over the other students. If you weren't quite comfortable with acting yet then a Public Speaking course would be a good start and vice versa if you are not comfortable with public speaking.

i've done a couple of movies and a music video for Hollywood....LOL
done movies with Ewan McGregor/Scarlett Johannsen, Al Pacino... and a music video for Kid Rock

I think the advantage an autistic person has with acting is that it's all about being someone you are not, and often with exaggerated expression (drama)...even when they claim to want it to be "believable."

It's a whole world of difference to trying to act "normal" in daily life. A lot less as far as rules to follow as compared to executing a scripted performance.

Sometimes I wish I would have said f*** it and tried getting into that, but was always an outcast no one liked so thought I'd just get laughed at if I was in school plays and such. Now being a 25 year old college drop out who is unlikely to enroll in college, I do not think I have much chance of getting into acting of any kind however not that I'd be any good anyways.

I guess I'd say if it interests you go for it ASAP, instead of procrastinating and worrying about getting laughed at/mocked if that is a concern of yours.

I've been thinking about majoring in Theatre but I'm worried that I might fall behind and my shyness will paralyze me. I've loved acting for a long time and I think it'll help me develop better social skills. What do you suggest I do?

Fall behind meaning...?

Trust me, once you have been doing this for some time, you'll be amazed at the person you become when you get up there. In theatre, things at one point or another WILL go differently than expected. You can't let that stop you. Assuming you go to school, I suggest seeing if a theatre club or Improv group exists and try that out for starters. That will be the beginning of developing the basic skills needed as a performer. Also take some acting classes if available.

Fell free to PM me if you have any other questions or would like to chat about it.