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Question: Why do people assume that actors cannot be shy!?
I'm really timid and shy when I'm myself!. I also suffer from low self esteem and I find social situations really hard so naturally I find it really difficult to make new friends!.

However I also LOVE performing, especially acting, and I would love to be an actress one day!. But people are always so surprised when they find out about my love of acting and performing because most people would assume that I'd hate that!.

I took part in plays at school but because I'm shy the teachers would just shove me aside and give all the lead roles to the loud, confident and outgoing people and stick me and the other shy people in the chorus because they thought we wouldn't be able to handle a bigger part!. That annoyed me lol because I would have KILLED (not literally!) for a bigger part because it just looked like so much fun!

People are shocked when they find out I want to be an actress because I love the stage and most people would assume I'd hate it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
i'm totally feeling your vibe, chick!!! and you're right!. you tell someone you're an actor and their brain immediately assumes a lot about you!. but you really have to learn to take it in stride!. i was the same way!. very shy but i loved to not bemyself and to act and perform!. it was a way to get away from that shyness that plagued me all the way through highschool!. but when i decided to pursue acting into college, my professors told me i needed to "get over it", meaning the shyness!. i was mad at first!.!.!.if i have the talent why do i have to be something i'm not nor wanted to be!. but i did what they requested and i'm not dead!. i'm not saying that you need to make yourself become unshy right now!. but allow yourself to get a little older, come into your esteem because it does get easier!. and then start challenging yourself to do things that you wouldn't do before because you were too shy!. because i did what my professors asked me to do, albeit slowly at first, i can now make others who are shy more comfortable because i am!. for example, when i teach theatre to those that are younger than, because i am at ease and confident, i put them at ease and they trust me quicker which makes my job to teach them theatre easier!. learning confidence and self esteem will only help you become a better performer!. you don't have to "become" someone different!. i'm still as down to earth as i was in highschool, i'm just way different around people i don't know!. i bet with the people you know, you're friends, there's not really a problem right!? just make everyone you're friend!. i promise it'll get easier!. just have patience with yourself and others!. and don't let the loud people get the role!!! get out there and push yourself to expand not only you;re experience but you're knowledge! break a leg!Www@QuestionHome@Com

i know, i dont understand that either!. i am kinda shy, but when im on the stage, i come out of my shell, i LOVE it!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Well for one thing, acting (especially stage acting) requires that you be loud, use big movements, etc!. People probably assume that if you like to do that, you would do it in real-life situations, too!.!.!.but of course you know that's not the case!.
Probably the bigger thing is that there are many outgoing people who would still be terrified to perform in front of a large crowd, so they don't understand how someone who's usually awkward in social situations can do that!. I'm the same way as you, though, so I understand it perfectly!. I think speaking with just a couple people is WAY more intimidating than speaking in front of a big group because there is no way that I could possibly tailor my attitude to impress everyone in that group!. If it's just a few people, though, I feel like I need to say and do things that will please them & their attitudes and beliefs!. also, with acting, you're not being yourself, and people know that, so you don't have to worry about how you come off!. You can be totally rude and people know that it's not you, it's just the character you're playing!. So you never have to worry about whether or not people will like YOU, because they never meet the actual YOU in a play!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It's a natural assumption that actors have to be aggressively outgoing to do what they do!.
What most people forget is the simple fact that when you're acting, you're not you, you're the part you're playing--you can happily wrap yourself up in the role and be and let all the shy parts take a breather while you play let's pretend!
I've been an actor, and known dozens of 'em--some are outgoing, some are just folks, and others, including me, are shy in social situations, but find great freedom and comfort when they're onstage, take acting risks and usually rise to the occasion!. And the nice thing is, the experience onstage helps you get through the shy parts when you're not playing a part!.
As the old lyric goes, "you may be as brave as you make believe you are!."
Let's hear it for the shy folks!
Bang your hands together!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I am the same way, to a certain extent!. I am not good at social situations either, but when it comes to acting, I am loud confident!. The key to landing roles in school is not to be loud, or even personable!. All you really need to do is show, or fake, confidence so that the teacher or director sees that you are willing to be loud and confident on stage!.

The reason people assume that we're all "un-shy" is that when watching a play, actors have to be the bravest people in the world - they have to become new people, delve into important emotions and interesting situations, whether comical or sad, all while remembering to stand right, project, stay open to the audience!

I guess the point is that you shouldn't dwell on the plays you haven't gotten into, but instead, keep moving forward!. Every audition is a chance to become a new person!. Confidence is key every time you walk into a new audition, so keep your head up and be proud of your ability!Www@QuestionHome@Com