Act Selfishly

 Act Selfishly 

I was recently walking uptown on 8th avenue away from Penn Station as hundreds of commuters were quickly shuffling in the opposite direction during rush hour. Everyone was extremely eager to make sure they didn't miss their train. 


I often have moments where I’m reminded that this city is full of people who are just trying to survive. We all are, right? YOU are just trying to take care of your day whether that be, making your train, paying your rent, finding a love or getting a job, the list is endless. 


I almost find it moving just how selfish everyone is required to be in order to get through. 


Most of us are taught as children and young people that to be selfish is bad. It’s rude, it's inconsiderate, it’s wrong. I agree. To be selfish is pretty awful, but we ALL act selfishly at times, whether we intend to or not. 


We have all rushed to get a train and accidentally stepped in front of someone and bumped them. We were putting our own needs first. 


There’s a difference between acting selfishly and actually being a selfish person. 

As actors, when we tell the stories on stage and screen, it is vital that we understand how the character is acting selfishly. 


It’s a different way of saying you have an ‘objective’;  except that sounds like a ‘buzzword’ from an acting class and to connect to authentic selfishness is in my opinion a more human, accessible trait that can and will really enhance a scene. 


Regardless of what literally happens in the scene, you need to understand what your character wants and is striving for, whether they accomplish it or not. 

Examples:

  • “I want a divorce and I’m not leaving this conversation until you agree to one”

  • “Mom, I WILL convince you to continue your cancer treatment because I’m terrified of life without you.”

  • “I need you to confess that you’ve cheated on me because it will help me to rationalize my feeling so insanely jealous”


There will be a selfish streak in every single character and it’s your duty to figure out what it is and to understand the reason behind it so that you avoid judging them and you deepen the HUMAN element and move beyond ACTING. 


Keep up the great work


Mark 


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