Behind Quote by Jimmy Smits
“I worked on a show called 'West Wing' before. I didn't work with Aaron Sorkin, but he created the show and set the tenor of the show, which was you follow the words of the script perfectly because there's a dramaturgical thing behind it.”
About This Quote
Source TV: The West Wing, 1999‑2006
The creator’s vision shapes a show’s tone, demanding precise script delivery to capture its intended drama.
In simple terms: The show’s style requires actors to follow the script exactly.
Key Takeaway
Respect the writer’s intent.
Themes
acting
script fidelity
creative vision
Mood
focused
professional
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- theatre
- television
- performance
- production
- rehearsal
Key Concepts
dramaturgy
authorial control
Questions to Reflect On
- How does script fidelity affect performance authenticity?
- When is improvisation appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Strict adherence may limit improvisation.
