--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to…" description: "\"When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in progress.\" — Mercedes McCambridge" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png" --- # When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to read nothing… ![“When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in progress.” quote by Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png) > “When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in progress.” [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. During rehearsal, avoid reading material that could divert focus from the ongoing performance work. **In simple terms:** Stay focused, avoid distractions while rehearsing. Key Takeaway Maintain concentration on the scene. Themes focus discipline craft Mood reflective practical Type creative professional When to use this quote - theatre rehearsals - studio practice - directed workshops Key Concepts mindfulness performance preparation Questions to Reflect On - What distractions hinder your rehearsal? - How can you balance focus with learning? A Different Perspective May limit exposure to useful research or inspiration. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Concentration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concentration/) [Distract](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distract/) [Distract Concentration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distract-concentration-3237314/) [Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focus/) [Might](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/might/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Read Distract](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/read-distract-3237315/) [Rehearsing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rehearsing/) [Rehearsing Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rehearsing-play-297576/) [Work in progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-in-progress/) ## Related quotes > [While I am rehearsing a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/while-i-am-rehearsing-a-play-i-try-to-read-nothing-that-might/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [Rehearsing a play is making the word flesh. Publishing a play is reversing the process.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-shaffer/rehearsing-a-play-is-making-the-word-flesh-publishing-a-play-is/) [Peter Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-shaffer/) > [Sightseeing was ... based on imaginative invention, like rehearsing your own play in stage sets from which all the actors had fled.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-theroux/sightseeing-was-based-on-imaginative-invention-like-rehearsing-your/) [Paul Theroux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-theroux/) > [The first job I got was this TV job in this show called 'The Unusuals.' Then I did a play called 'Slipping,' and at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-driver/the-first-job-i-got-was-this-tv-job-in-this-show-called-the-unusuals/) [Adam Driver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-driver/) > [On indies it's hard to do, but in rehearsals, you make mistakes in rehearsal. It's really hard rehearsing a play or what rehearsal you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-daniels/on-indies-it-s-hard-to-do-but-in-rehearsals-you-make-mistakes-in/) [Jeff Daniels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-daniels/) > [When I am on set or rehearsing for the play, the only thing I can talk about is the work I'm doing. In that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saoirse-ronan/when-i-am-on-set-or-rehearsing-for-the-play-the-only-thing-i-can-talk/) [Saoirse Ronan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saoirse-ronan/) > [I've been dealing with so much press for Brooklyn, and now I am rehearsing for a play, and it is hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saoirse-ronan/i-ve-been-dealing-with-so-much-press-for-brooklyn-and-now-i-am/) [Saoirse Ronan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saoirse-ronan/) > [“Did I just see you two getting into another tussle outside?” “No...we...were...rehearsing a play,” “Really? 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Rehearsing a shower scene.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cobie-smulders/whats-more-awkward-than-doing-a-shower-scene-rehearsing-a-shower-scene/) [Cobie Smulders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cobie-smulders/) > [In theater, one of the biggest problems when you're rehearsing comedy over and over again is that you stop laughing at each other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-ashley-carter/in-theater-one-of-the-biggest-problems-when-you-re-rehearsing-comedy/) [Lauren Ashley Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-ashley-carter/) ## More by Mercedes McCambridge > [I've always had bronchitis. I've been administered the Sacrament of Death three times for it](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/i-ve-always-had-bronchitis-i-ve-been-administered-the-sacrament-of/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [Like many alcoholics, I was a staggering woman in a chic apartment, sick and utterly disgusting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/like-many-alcoholics-i-was-a-staggering-woman-in-a-chic-apartment/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [While I am rehearsing a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/while-i-am-rehearsing-a-play-i-try-to-read-nothing-that-might/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [Like so many other recovered alcoholics, I am to this day bewildered that it took so long for me to understand that there was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/like-so-many-other-recovered-alcoholics-i-am-to-this-day-bewildered/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [I find it next to impossible to remain politely silent when people prate to me about the glory of being given another chance to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/i-find-it-next-to-impossible-to-remain-politely-silent-when-people/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [Alcohol is a very patient drug. It will wait for the alcoholic to pick it up one more time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/alcohol-is-a-very-patient-drug-it-will-wait-for-the-alcoholic-to-pick/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [I have always had a lot more trouble with my truths than with my deceits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/i-have-always-had-a-lot-more-trouble-with-my-truths-than-with-my/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [A rich man can afford to be generous to many.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/a-rich-man-can-afford-to-be-generous-to-many/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [I have reached a state in life where I can buy a whole house full of chairs and can bump into them until they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/i-have-reached-a-state-in-life-where-i-can-buy-a-whole-house-full-of/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [I never wanted a Guardian Angel. I didn't ask for one. One was assigned to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/i-never-wanted-a-guardian-angel-i-didn-t-ask-for-one-one-was-assigned/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [Radio is truly the theater of the mind. The listener constructs the sets, colors them from his own palette, and sculpts and costumes the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/radio-is-truly-the-theater-of-the-mind-the-listener-constructs-the/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [With two leftover husbands to account for, my wicked soul has just about shriveled and died](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/with-two-leftover-husbands-to-account-for-my-wicked-soul-has-just/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [Nobody understands that by the time the addiction has set in the alcoholic is mandated to drink ... he cannot not drink! Nobody wakes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/nobody-understands-that-by-the-time-the-addiction-has-set-in-the/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [It is a remarkably beautiful piece of home furnishing, the Oscar. I used to keep it up in front of a mirror so that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/it-is-a-remarkably-beautiful-piece-of-home-furnishing-the-oscar-i/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) > [I believe in joy, but I believe in the flip-side, agony.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/i-believe-in-joy-but-i-believe-in-the-flip-side-agony/) [Mercedes McCambridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) [Explore all 52 Mercedes McCambridge quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/) ## More Concentration quotes > [Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/each-man-is-capable-of-doing-one-thing-well-if-he-attempts-several-he/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/we-must-remember-that-intelligence-is-not-enough-intelligence-plus/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [It is a good practice to write at least on page of mantra daily. Many people get better concentration by writing than by chanting.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mata-amritanandamayi/it-is-a-good-practice-to-write-at-least-on-page-of-mantra-daily-many/) [Mata Amritanandamayi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mata-amritanandamayi/) > [“Exceptional work is always associated with periods of deep concentration. Nothing excellent ever comes from a scattered effort.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-horsley/exceptional-work-is-always-associated-with-periods-of-deep/) [Kevin Horsley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-horsley/) > [Mental attitude and concentration are the keys to pitching.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ferguson-jenkins/mental-attitude-and-concentration-are-the-keys-to-pitching/) [Ferguson Jenkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ferguson-jenkins/) > [The essence of the stage is concentration and penetration. Of the screen action, movement, sweep.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elia-kazan/the-essence-of-the-stage-is-concentration-and-penetration-of-the/) [Elia Kazan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elia-kazan/) > [I can let go of a lot of stuff, but I focus on things I think I should, like dancing, because it takes 100…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yuan-yuan-tan/i-can-let-go-of-a-lot-of-stuff-but-i-focus-on-things-i-think-i-should/) [Yuan Yuan Tan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yuan-yuan-tan/) > [“Apply the blacksmith's homely principle when you are speaking. If you feel deeply about your subject you will be able to think of little…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/apply-the-blacksmith-s-homely-principle-when-you-are-speaking-if-you/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Mindfulness develops attention, concentration and the ability to simply be present with little or no future orientation, past orientation or goal orientation—choosing to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-gawler/mindfulness-develops-attention-concentration-and-the-ability-to/) [Ian Gawler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-gawler/) > [So too, monks, I saw the ancient path, the ancient road traveled by the Perfectly Enlightened Ones of the past. And what is that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/so-too-monks-i-saw-the-ancient-path-the-ancient-road-traveled-by-the/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [Recently a study proved that working from a larger, less cluttered computer screen increases concentration. I could have told them that. And yes, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stacy-schiff/recently-a-study-proved-that-working-from-a-larger-less-cluttered/) [Stacy Schiff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stacy-schiff/) > [If writing with a goal - whether it be evangelistic, apologetic, or didactic - implies propaganda, then all recorded history is propaganda. . .…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-copan/if-writing-with-a-goal-whether-it-be-evangelistic-apologetic-or/) [Paul Copan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-copan/) > [... programming requires more concentration than other activities. It's the reason programmers get upset about 'quick interruptions' - such interruptions are tantamount to asking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-mcconnell/programming-requires-more-concentration-than-other-activities-it-s/) [Steve McConnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-mcconnell/) > [Any piece of knowledge which the pupil has himself acquired- any problem which he has himself solved, becomes, by virtue of the conquest, much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-spencer/any-piece-of-knowledge-which-the-pupil-has-himself-acquired-any/) [Herbert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-spencer/) > [Our mind is a flowing something. It oscillates. Concentration is merely the continuous return to the same problem from a million angles… So my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-laubach/our-mind-is-a-flowing-something-it-oscillates-concentration-is-merely/) [Frank Laubach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-laubach/) [Browse all 1,154 Concentration quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concentration/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in progress.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mercedes McCambridge" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to-read-nothing-that-might/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Concentration" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to-read-nothing-that-might/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3f4/mercedes-mccambridge-13004_concentration_when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to_430946.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When I am rehearsing for a play, I try to read nothing that might distract my concentration from the work in…” — Mercedes McCambridge", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Mercedes McCambridge", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-mccambridge/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "When I am rehearsing for a...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to-read-nothing-that-might/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-mccambridge/when-i-am-rehearsing-for-a-play-i-try-to-read-nothing-that-might/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```