Difference Between Theatre, Television and Film Actors

Ever wondered what is the difference between theatre, television and film acting? Let’s talk!

Acting is a profession and skill that can be developed over a lifetime. This truly is one of the most dynamic of crafts. With experience and different projects, actors find their sweet spot and stick to it. However, there is always something new to learn. The key is to look beyond your own experience. Even though actors, in general, share a common skill set, there’s a lot that theatre actors, television actors, and film actors can learn from each other. You might be wondering what is the difference between theatre, television and film actors. Well, the differences between them are quite evident. In this article, let’s talk about how different kinds of acting differ and what they have in common. 

Difference Between Theatre, Television and Film Actors

However few, there are significant differences between theatre, television and film actors. Theatre or onstage acting may be limited by space, onscreen acting is more controlled in terms of the environment and direction. While film and TV actors get the chance to deliver their best performance over many takes, theatre acting is strictly one-take. On one hand, film actors must be aware of camera placements, on the other, theatre actors must perform for a live audience. Performing theatre is repetitive but once you have shot a video, you do not need to perform again. 

Let’s delve deeper into different forms of acting. 

What is Theatre Acting? 

Theatre acting or onstage acting is a craft that deals with a live audience. The engagement between theatre actors and their audiences is real-time, unlike screen acting. Some shows may be new but a great number of them are classics that both the audience and the actors are familiar with. There have been a good number of playwrights over time whose plays have stayed on the stage. Plays from famous playwrights like Shakespeare, Anton Chekov, Ben Jonson, Tennessee Millers, etc. whose plays are performed over and over again. 

Based on the material, the aspect of familiarity is intense in theatre acting. Also, unlike screen acting, theatre performers have to act out the same material again and again, night after night. Speaking of performances, theatre actors act for the last row. So it isn’t unusual that the performances are larger than life and often exaggerated. Theatre acting is also confined since it’s limited to the stage. Actors have to work with a fixed space and deliver the most of their characters.

Skills Specific to Theatre Acting

Some skills and techniques unique to theatre acting are listed here. 

• Method Acting: Expressive acting that comes through by complete emotional identification with one’s part or the character that they’re playing. 
• Stanislavski System: Developed by famous Russian theatre practitioner Konstantin Stanislavksi, this technique cultivates the art of experiencing in an actor as opposed to the art of representation. 
• Chekhov Technique: This acting technique requires the actors to focus on their physical actions and inner emotions so that their part comes out more believable. 
• Stage Presence: A theatre actor must maintain a strong stage presence. They must be able to command the stage and engage the audience. To be perceived effectively and according to the character’s demand, they must be aware of their movements on the stage. 

• Ensemble Work: Theatre actors must be comfortable working with a team of co-actors as it can be especially challenging when performing in a limited space. 
• Strong Vocal Skills: Theatre actors must be able to project their voices on the audience in an effective manner. They must be articulate in their delivery. They must be audible and can fluctuate their pitch to describe different emotions. 

Where Can You Get Trained to Be a Theatre Actor? 

Courses and institutes for aspiring theatre actors are provided below. 

• Barry John Acting Studio - Their Certificate in Acting course covers the introduction to acting and theatre. This 3-month part-time weekend course is offered at both Delhi and Mumbai locations. 

• National School of Drama - The National School of Drama offers a 3-year full-time Diploma Course in Dramatic Arts. The sole objective of this course is to prepare students for the practice of theatre. This 3-year course covers everything from the introduction to theatre, and the history of theatre to more advanced topics like theatre techniques, design and aesthetics. 
• Campus of Open Learning (Delhi University's Keshav Puram Centre) - In association with RK Films and Media Academy, they offer a 4-month-long certificate course called Acting for Films, TV and Theatre. 

Note - You can also make a simple Google search for theatres and theatre groups in your area and reach out to them on their contact details or social media and find out about their workshops and their fees. In addition to that, you can check out BookMyShow. Go to their ‘Plays’ section and you will find tons of active theatre groups in the descriptions of the shows playing around you. You can look these groups up on Google or Instagram and reach out to them. 

What is Television Acting? 

Television acting is screen acting just like film acting. However, the difference is that TV actors are more likely to work in a 3-point camera setup than film actors. The characters also play out differently. They have longer, sometimes more convoluted arcs than that of film characters. Their audiences can also sometimes differ. Filmgoers may or may not have the patience of following a TV drama or a web series. People who indulge in series watch the characters develop for a longer duration. This requires TV actors to adhere to their characters for much longer. 

What is Film Acting?

Film acting is basically acting for films. A film actor's job is to create an equally intense intimacy with their audience as TV actors but in a shorter run time. When compared to theatre actors, film actors need not be as intense with the portrayal of their characters. Since their proximity to their audiences is different, they have the choice of playing their parts in a more subtle and nuanced manner. However, they have to be quicker to get into character to leave an equally lasting impact. Much like all actors, they also need to work with a set of co-actors unless the part demands otherwise (think Rajkumar Rao’s Trapped, Will Smith’s I Am Legend or Life of Pi).  

Skills Specific to Screen Acting 

Some skills that Film and TV actors must possess are listed below. 

• Camera Presence - All screen actors must be aware of camera placements. The goal here is to project themselves as naturally and convincingly as they can on camera. 
• Cold Reads - Since it’s not uncommon for screen productions to change their lines and sometimes even scenes and complete sequences at the last minute, the actors must be able to perform their scripts without a whole lot of preparation. In this case, improvisation also comes in handy. 
• Maintaining Continuity - Between takes and retakes, the actors must be able to maintain continuity in terms of dialogues, actions and even props. 

Best Screen Acting Courses in India

There are screen acting courses that you will find in prestigious institutes across India. Some of them are listed here. 

• FTII, Pune - Film and TV Institute of India offers courses in all things cinema. Be it screenwriting, direction, acting or editing, this renowned institute offers courses for it all. They have a two-year-long screen acting course for aspiring film and TV actors. 

• Barry John Acting Studio - This famous acting studio has trained many popular household names in film and TV. They offer certificate courses in acting, diploma courses and several workshops. They also have a training programme for kids. 

• National School of Drama - Among the many acting courses offered at NSD, their PG Diploma Course in Acting is the one that is fit for all kinds of actors. 

• Whistling Woods International - Out of all the acting schools mentioned above, WWI probably has the largest and most diverse catalogue of film courses. Established by Subhash Ghai, this institute offers a 3-year BA in Acting and a 2-year-long Advanced Diploma in Acting. 
• Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares - Another institute that provides quality training in film and TV, Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares offers an Advanced Diploma in Screen Acting, a Diploma in Acting, a 4-month Weekend Acting for Film and a Young Actors’ Training Programme. 

Read More: 

More Acting Schools in India 

What Do All Actors Have in Common?

Now that we know the difference between theatre, television and film actors, let’s take a look at their similarities. 

• Acting Techniques - No matter what the platform is, a lot of acting techniques remain common between theatre, TV and film actors. After all, they are all catering to an audience that’s looking for good storytelling, memorable characters, and convincing and engaging content. 

• Script Analysis - All actors are given scripts that they need to go through with a lot of attention and understanding so that they can play their part well. 

• Vocal Skills - Having good vocal skills is quite important when it comes to a compelling dialogue delivery. You might have witnessed actors as much as singers doing vocal exercises before starting to act. The ability to modulate their voice also helps in capturing different emotions. 

• Physical Skills - Actors need to be expressive through their actions more than the audiences realise. Physical skills include managing body language, facial expressions, relative spacing and positioning with co-actors, etc. 
• Character Study - While critics and film enthusiasts get into character study after the performance is out, actors have to study their parts beforehand. 

Transitioning from Stage Acting to Screen Acting and Vice-Versa

You might have heard of many great actors like Ratna Pathak Shah, Naseeruddin Shah, Seema Pahwa, Manoj Pahwa, etc. working in both the theatre and film sides of the acting industry. Yeah, this is a phenomenon. While these names are of seasoned actors, this can also be a reality for actors who are just starting out or those who have exclusively worked in a certain format. Actors resort to exploring their options based on what’s getting them work. Auditioning for both theatre and screen can be a long and turbulent process. So, whatever sails their boat. 

Actors transitioning from one form to another can study other actors’ performances. Even though the differences are few between onstage and onscreen acting, this study of performances can be done by consuming theatre or film as an audience, attending workshops or taking courses. 

I hope this helps.