Theatre artist Saurabh Singh: Views on theatre acting vs screen acting

I would like to share my views on theatre/stage acting vs screen acting.

The biggest difference between performing on stage and acting for the camera is the location of your audience.

In theatre, the stage is 100 feet or more from the performers (depending on the size of the theatre) the actor needs to exaggerate their facial expressions and gestures so that even the last seat could see and feel the reality of your acting.

While acting on screen , the camera could get extremely close to the actor which closes the gap between the audience and the actors. Since, the camera can always see the slightest moment of your pupil and the microphone can always hear you, this is why an actor needs to be more subtle, controlled and give natural expressions and gestures. If the actor will perform the same like theatre on the screen it would look awkward and silly .

Preparation :
Theatre performances happen in real time, artists spend many rehearsal hours just to develop their character, personality and hours memorizing their lines.
Despite all this preparation, stage actors need to be quick on their feet in case, something goes wrong (which happens often)
A dropped line, a missed cue, or even a wardrobe malfunction, anything could go wrong, but the show must go on.

On screen performance does not happen in real time. An actor must have controlled emotions because it is possible that in the first scene he is screaming or running and immediately he needs to be more calm and smiling. There is very less time to reset yourself emotionally. This can be draining for an actor. Also, there are possibilities in change of script on the set and the actor must need to be well prepared for impromptu changes.

It’s your hard work and your learning which will help you grow, and not just the desire to act as a hero in some big Bollywood’s movie