I had the kid [on "Fences" ] who understudied me so I…
![“I had the kid [on "Fences" ] who understudied me so I could stand back and think about shots so he had to learn the blocking and everything. I'd come in early sometimes, and they 'd be in there rehearsing and working on their stuff. I didn't want them to feel like, "Oh these are people who can't…” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/80b/denzel-washington-1345_actors_i-had-the-kid-on-fences-who-understudied_855342.jpg)
“I had the kid [on "Fences" ] who understudied me so I could stand back and think about shots so he had to learn the blocking and everything. I'd come in early sometimes, and they 'd be in there rehearsing and working on their stuff. I didn't want them to feel like, "Oh these are people who can't be touched." We're all working actors; we're all trying to get better.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He emphasizes collaborative rehearsal where actors learn each other's movements to improve performance and avoid dehumanizing roles.
In simple terms: Actors should practice together to understand each other's space and improve.
Key Takeaway
Practice together, respect each other's space.
Themes
collaboration
respect
acting
learning
Mood
focused
professional
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- theatre rehearsals
- film sets
- acting workshops
- coaching sessions
Key Concepts
method acting
team dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shared rehearsal affect character authenticity?
- What boundaries are needed to keep rehearsal productive?
A Different Perspective
May limit spontaneity if over‑rehearsed; actors can become too self‑conscious.