Acting in Plays, Singing/Which is harder?

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/26/2009


Question
I am just wondering which is "harder" or more difficult comedic acting or dramatic acting?

Answer
Hi, Storm.  Great question, and one to which a lot of prospective actors could use an answer.

There is a famous quote in theatre (although the source is in dispute): "dying is easy - comedy is hard!"  Generally speaking, comedy is harder than drama, mostly because most comedy relies upon precise timing to be carried off to best effect.  (An old joke: "Ask me what the secret is to comedy." "What is the sec-" "Timing.")

However, comedy is also arguably the most popular type of theatre. Thus, if you are pursuing a career as an actor, it well behooves you to build this skill. The best way to do this is, from my own experience . . . well, experience. Do as many comedies as you can.  (And even though it's considered easier, don't hesitate to do an occasional drama, too, just to keep yourself well rounded.)

Break a leg!

-- Spyder

Acting in Plays, Singing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

J. Spyder Isaacson

Expertise

Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!) ***DO NOT*** ASK ME QUESTIONS REGARDING AUDITION SONGS OR MONOLOGUES - the answers require way too much information to be passed along by the All Experts system.

Experience

I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.

Organizations
Theatre Puget Sound Magical Mystery Troupe Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former) Express-Theatre Northwest (former) Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater

Publications
Unrelated trade publications

Education/Credentials
B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)

Awards and Honors
Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor

Past/Present Clients
C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.