Director Quote by Orson Bean
“It's wrong to make a living off the theater. Theater should be supported, like redwood trees. You should make your living - whether you're a writer or an actor or a director - in movies or commercials. But you do theater out of love.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Hollywood Reporter, 1975
The quote argues that theater should be pursued for passion, not profit, and that financial support should come from other commercial work.
In simple terms: Theater is a labor of love, not a paycheck.
Do theater for love, not money.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- actors seeking roles
- playwrights developing scripts
- directors planning productions
- theater companies fundraising
- students studying drama
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you create if money weren’t a concern?
- How can you balance passion with livelihood?
Commercial work may not fully fund artistic freedom.