Quotes and Sayings about Theatre

A theatre is the most important sort of house in the world, because that's where people are shown what they could be if they wanted, and what they'd like to be if they dared to and what they really are.

School! Then you haven't heard of the easy road to success. I'm speaking, my boy, of the theater. Bright lights, music, applause, fame!

I think in any form of acting, you're always well served if you've done theater.

You weren't going to the theater to change the world, but you had a chance to affect the world, the thinking and the feelings of the world.

The theater is magical and addictive.

It's a tough transition really for theater actors to adjust to television or film, and all of these years later, I still have a tendency to play it too big.

The stage can be a wonderful partner in the process of self-discovery.

Only to the audience do I show my true face.

On the stage, you have to find truth, even if you have to lose the audience.

Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.

Acting is like lying. The art of lying well. I'm paid to tell elaborate lies.

I think that with any emotion - fear, love, nervousness - if the actor's feeling it, then the audience feels it.

Acting is stupid. Everybody's like, "How can you remain with a level head?" And I'm like, "Why would I ever get cocky? I'm not saving anybody's life. There are doctors who save lives and firemen who run into burning buildings. I'm making movies."

Wave after wave of love flooded the stage and washed over me, the beginning of the one great durable romance of my life.

I became an actor so I can show you characters and never have to show you me.

I'm an actor, not a star. Stars are people who live in Hollywood and have heart-shaped swimming pools.

Becoming an actor is like becoming a father. It's not hard to become one. Making a life of it is the challenge.

As an actor, you are either emulating someone else, or some version of yourself.

I've always been a bit of a self-doubter. I think a lot of actors are.

I told my parents I wanted to be an actor, and they were getting ready for a life of unemployment.

I never took acting classes, but I knew I could do it based on the skill with which I lied to my parents on a regular basis.

The better the actor, the less you know about his life.

In acting you can pretend to be someone else and I like that.

As far as I can tell, most actors' main motivation is self-doubt and neuroses.

You have to love the characters you play, even if no one else does.

I know I walk a fine line between being a respected actor and being what they call a sex symbol.

The basic essential of a great actor is that he loves himself in acting.

Dysfunctional families have sired a number of pretty good actors.

A conscience is that still small voice that people won't listen to.

A lie keeps growing and growing until it's as plain as the nose on your face.

One summer morning at sunrise a long time ago I met a little girl with a book under her arm. I asked her why she was out so early and she answered that there were too many books and far too little time. And there she was absolutely right.

You must go on a long journey before you can really find out how wonderful home is.

Coffee is to wake up, coffee is to work with, coffee is to live with, coffee is life.

Well, I'm a big believer in "never say never".

There is not enough magic in a bloodline to forge an instant, irrevocable bond.

You sang in church, you know, and you didn't act at all. You tried not to act, you tried to tell the truth. The idea of being a troubadour on the road singing for your supper was very disturbing to him.

Bringing humor and bringing happiness and joy to an audience is a wonderful opportunity in life, believe me.

There is no excuse whatsoever for men to harass women in an abusive sexual manner. And, I am devastated that anyone should deem me capable of thinking otherwise.

I make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

I don't get hung up on weight.

Better to consider opportunities now than in ten years, when life may limit your choices.

Troy: "But hey, brothers fight..."
Chad: "...they're still brothers."

I live for the applause, you will die for it.

My critics are... usually short-lived.

In Europe an actor is an artist. In Hollywood, if he isn't working, he's a bum.

When I'm 80 years old and sitting in my rocking chair, I'll be reading Harry Potter. And my family will say to me, "After all this time?" And I will say: "Always."

And it's a human need to be told stories. The more we're governed by idiots and have no control over our destinies, the more we need to tell stories to each other about who we are, why we are, where we come from, and what might be possible.

In a world without love, death means nothing.

Long before blades and sorcery are needed, words... can save a soul.