Should i major in theatre even though I have Aspergers?

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BrokenBlossoms36
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14 Aug 2015, 1:24 pm

I have always dreamed of becoming a stage/film actress but I'm afraid that my Aspergers will make theatre too much of a challenge for me. I hear people say that acting isn't for everybody because it is really demanding and requires good communication skills. I think that if i am determined to be an actress, i can learn how to deal with those issues but i'm still not sure.



Hyperborean
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14 Aug 2015, 1:27 pm

Yes, absolutely. Go for it.



Barchan
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14 Aug 2015, 2:19 pm

Yes. Don't be one of those people who thinks autistic people can only major in science or engineering.



AnonymousAnonymous
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14 Aug 2015, 2:23 pm

Yes, do it! Don't believe that you have to be a stereotype just because you have Aspergers.


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14 Aug 2015, 2:43 pm

Definitely. Even though the stereotype is that us aspies can't act, I believe our analytical minds are even better at breaking down characters/people and scenes.


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AnonymousAnonymous
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14 Aug 2015, 3:18 pm

I took a theater class a few years ago before I transferred to PSU and although I didn't fit in very well, the class was worth the experience.


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Alexanderplatz
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14 Aug 2015, 6:26 pm

I'm certain Paddy Considine is on the scale, and Emma Thompson as well I think.



nurseangela
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14 Aug 2015, 6:34 pm

Sure! If you're comfortable on stage.


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semiparametric
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18 Aug 2015, 12:16 am

Actress Daryl Hannah was diagnosed as being autistic when she was a child.



SocOfAutism
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21 Aug 2015, 9:20 am

Aspie females have to act all the time just in normal everyday life. You'll probably be better at it than your NT peers. I've personally known some amazing aspies in theatre.



sunflower17
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31 Aug 2015, 7:15 pm

Go for it! You don't have to fit the old of what society tells you you are "supposed" to be. You do you!!



AspergersActor8693
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01 Sep 2015, 7:11 am

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I'll jump on the bandwagon that says "Go for it!". It will take effort, work, and getting used to certain things and realities that are a given in this field, but if you have the drive and desire to make it in the world of performing arts, you can do it.

As mentioned earlier, I wan to break the stereotype of the only possible jobs for us to have being in science, engineering, computers, or jobs that involve repetition. Right now I am a senior at a university with one of the best theatre programs in the United States.

You are right in saying it is not for everybody. Anyone can 'act', but only a certain number of people have the ability to not only memorize a script, but also understand the characters, who they are, what they want, how they get what they want, the world of the play, why your character is saying, what other characters are saying, how other characters influence your character, the objectives, the super objective, etc. The people who can do this are true craftsmen in the craft known as performing arts.

I'm an Aspie who has been on this path since 2010. If you have any questions, concerns, cries of outrage I'll be more than happy to answer them or PM me whenever you want. :)



BigSnoopy126
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06 Sep 2015, 3:52 pm

When you look at how some performers act, you would think that there were quite a few Aspies in the ranks compared to the population as a whole. I mean, demanding (and I'm just making up an example here) a certain type of muffin delivered to your cabin in a certain way, or having only a certain type of clothing in your wardrobe, or some of the other demands I've heard major5 performers have, makes it sound like at least some have Aspergers.

Yes, it's true that power corrupts and if you're making $10 million a movie you can have certain peculiarities, but desires such as in http://whatculture.com/film/10-insane-demands-famous-actors-made-movies.php have to start somewhere, don't they?

So, while it's not for everyone, I suspect that the demands are worth it if you really love performing. And, it does appear to be something some Aspies would love.