What we did [shooting "Fences"] was we got young students…
![“What we did [shooting "Fences"] was we got young students from Carnegie Mellon, the acting and theater students, and we had them as our understudies. I told them, "You have to be off book and be ready. If Viola [Davis] has to leave you have to jump in."” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/d6d/denzel-washington-1345_acting_what-we-did-shooting-fences-was-we-got-y_2344171.jpg)
“What we did [shooting "Fences"] was we got young students from Carnegie Mellon, the acting and theater students, and we had them as our understudies. I told them, "You have to be off book and be ready. If Viola [Davis] has to leave you have to jump in."”
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 the importance of preparation and flexibility for performers, urging them to be ready to step in without relying on a script.
In simple terms: Be prepared to improvise and fill in when needed.
Key Takeaway
Stay adaptable and ready.
Themes
theater
improvisation
teamwork
Mood
focused
determined
Type
instructional
motivational
When to use this quote
- rehearsals
- live performances
- emergency understudy
- on‑the‑fly decisions
Key Concepts
acting
preparedness
collaboration
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance preparation with spontaneity?
- When is it okay to deviate from the script?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on spontaneity can lead to mistakes if not well‑trained.