Acknowledge Quote by Michael Shurtleff
“Competition is healthy. Competition is life. Yet most actors refuse to acknowledge this. They don't want to compete. They want to get along. And they are therefore not first-rate actors. The good actor is the one who competes, willingly, who enjoys competing. An actor must compete, or die...Peacefulness and the avoidance of trouble won't help in his acting. It is just the opposite he must seek.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Actor's Art and Craft, 1994
Actors must embrace competition to reach excellence; avoiding conflict hinders growth.
In simple terms: Compete to become a great actor.
Key Takeaway
Seek challenges, not comfort.
Themes
competition
growth
artistry
Mood
motivational
critical
Type
professional advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- auditions
- workshops
- career planning
Key Concepts
performance theory
psychology
career development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can healthy competition be fostered?
- What balance between collaboration and rivalry?
A Different Perspective
Competition can create unhealthy rivalry.
![“Competition [in a scene] is healthy. Competition is life. Yet most actors refuse to acknowledge this. They don't want to compete. They want to get along. And they are therefore not first-rate actors.” quote by Michael Shurtleff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/75e/michael-shurtleff-19554_acknowledge_competition-in-a-scene-is-healthy-compet_1161371.jpg)
![“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)
