Are actors ever bored on stage?

Question

Like, when they're not saying their lines?

Answer 1

If they are I don't think they should be. I think a good actor should remain in character even when he doesnt have any lines. Reactions are as important as actions.

Answer 2

I've been on Stage doing amature acting and I wouldn't say I get bored as such. More like, distracted. If I'm in a scene and I've got few or no lines and I'm standing on the edge somewhere, I try to keep focused in case something interesting happens (which ususally happens as the script-writer made it so). However, if the main characters are gabbling on-and-on I tend to become more aware of my surroundings and notice more about the stage, the scenery, the props & costumes and my fellow actors.
If I'm not careful, my distractions make me miss my cue but fortunetly that hasn't happened for a long time :->

Answer 3

Well I think actors might get bored on stage because they might not like their acting or the lines they are saying. I mean the are bored when they don't like what thay are doing on the stage.

Answer 4

Not really, even when you are not talking you are acting, and people sometimes pay more attention to that person who doesn't talk than to the ones who are talking. I've been acting since i was 13 and recently I've been given a role in a play which is basically about acting silences... which it's cool although it's difficult but if i do it good I'll get the best actress trophy of the festival I'm into. SO WISH ME LUCK- with my few lines!

Answer 5

They shouldn't be. They should be aware of where abouts in the running order the production is and preparing for their next queue. If they have nothing else to do on stage, they can just get ready for the walk down at the end.

I am a member of a small Am-Dram group and there is alwyas something going on behind stage - so no time to be bored.

Answer 6

The character can still be very much involved in the scene even if they're not saying anything, but in some situations (especially in poorly written scripts), the character is left standing around with no involvement and nothing to react to, and is thus left feeling like a third wheel. If it's a long scene, yes, it can be boring.

Answer 7

I did a bit of tv/film work a few years ago, but my highlight was doing Satres "No Way Out" on stage in London. My character had few lines but was on stage a lot!! I was too scared of missing a cue to be bored, although I did start checking out women in the audience while the 'action' went on around me!!

Answer 8

I'm never bored onstage during a performance unless I HAVE to be. Sometimes, we ACT bored, but no, unless the character is bored, you are not. An actor has to pay attention to what's going on too. Other cues, musical numbers, dance breaks. There's not enough time to be bored! Can't risk it!

Answer 9

I have never been in a long West End run but I have heard actors stories that they do find it tedious, not boring and some play jokes on each other to keep them alert.

Answer 10

When you take into account an actor may have to endure 6 week runs of shows, then of course we do! besides after a while its just a job. you get bored behind an office desk dont you?