Why I Do Theatre

Patsy Rodenburg in one of her workshops on why she does theatre. Watch the whole thing. I’ve watched it before. It’s one of those things I go to when I need to remember why I want to do what I want to do.

It’s an extraordinary clip.

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7 Responses to Why I Do Theatre

  1. Greg says:

    Wow. This is fantastic! I may have to watch it EVERY day. Thanks, Sheila!

  2. sheila says:

    Powerful stuff, isn’t it, Greg? So validating to hear in the tough moments of life, when you may wonder why you’ve chosen such a tough path.

  3. Alexandra Billings says:

    Every time I hear her, I think to myself:

    “I’m a sham. I have to stop teaching.”

    She’s surreal.

  4. Erin Cantor says:

    I was taught by Patsy Rodenburg for three years when I trained as an actor at The a Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She and I are still friends and I locked viewing this clip. She’s 100% on the money with these statements about what theater really
    is about.
    Though I no longer act, my husband and I religiously follow your blog and love it. You are an insanely astute critic of film and acting. Thank you. Thank you.
    We recently became parents and look forward to introducing our daughter to the (sometimes) amazing world of theatre and film.

    • sheila says:

      Erin – wow!! Thank you so much. I come back to this clip again and again for its clarity and inspiration – and for HER. I can’t imagine how awesome it must have been to have her as a teacher.

      Did you do scene work? I’m so curious about her “second circle” and all that and how it applies to actual scene work.

      Thank you so much for the compliment on my site – it means so much. And congratulations to you and your husband on becoming parents!!

      • Erin Cantor says:

        Sheila – I asked my husband to write back to you briefly because I was feeding my daughter, but now I have a small break. Happy to email you more about my year long exploration with Patsy and second circle. What is your email address?

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