Why is Theater for Actors, Film for Directors, and TV for Writers?
Advice from a TV writer/showrunner
I was told theater is for actors, film is for directors, and TV is for writers. Is that true?
In my experience as a professional screenwriter, this is absolutely true. Here’s why:
Theater is for Actors
Most professional theatrical productions fall under the protection of Actors Equity which is the labor union that represents actors and stage managers. They advocate for fair wages and good working conditions.
Not every production is Equity. Very small theaters are non-equity. For example, my touring one man show, A Paper Orchestra, is a professional show that’s non-equity. But then again, if I have a problem with something, I can take it up with the guy in the mirror.
In an Equity production, the director will be heavily involved with casting decisions and rehearsal. Even when the show is in previews, they’ll still give notes to the actors after the performance. But once the show is up and running, the director’s involvement in the show is very limited. If a show has 8 performances a week, the director might not even attend any of them. At that point, the stage manager is overseeing things.
The reason why theater is an actors medium is because the show can morph a little as it goes on. During each performance, as the actor grows more comfortable with the work, they’ll explore new things about the character and dialogue. They’ll find a new laugh somewhere or a new way to express a moment.
Because acting is re-acting, a good scene partner will respond differently to those changes. The changes might be extremely subtle, but they’ll still be there. Despite reciting the same lines night after night, a good actor will always find ways to make the performance fresh.
The actors still have to adhere to the script, but it’s that personal exploration that allows theater to be an actor’s medium.