Acting Quote by Michael Shurtleff
![“An actor is looking for conflict. Conflict is what creates drama. We are taught to avoid trouble [so] actors don't realize they must go looking for it. Plays are written about...the extraordinary, the unusual, the climaxes. The more conflict actors find, the more interesting the performance.” quote by Michael Shurtleff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/39e/michael-shurtleff-19554_acting_an-actor-is-looking-for-conflict-conflic_3222619.jpg)
“An actor is looking for conflict. Conflict is what creates drama. We are taught to avoid trouble [so] actors don't realize they must go looking for it. Plays are written about...the extraordinary, the unusual, the climaxes. The more conflict actors find, the more interesting the performance.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Actor’s Art and Craft, 1985
Actors should seek conflict because it drives drama and engaging performances.
In simple terms: Conflict fuels compelling acting.
Key Takeaway
Embrace tension to deepen your role.
Themes
acting
drama
conflict
Mood
intense
thoughtful
Type
instructional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- audition preparation
- scene study
- improvisation
Key Concepts
character development
story tension
risk taking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you find authentic conflict in everyday life?
- When does conflict become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasizing conflict may lead to melodrama.
![“Humor [in a scene] is not jokes. It is that attitude toward being alive without which you would long ago have jumped off the 59th Street Bridge.” quote by Michael Shurtleff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/504/michael-shurtleff-19554_acting_humor-in-a-scene-is-not-jokes-it-is-that_611053.jpg)
