ESTELLE PARSONS

When I see what I want, I do it.

I think in small towns like this one, whether you're a man or a woman, you basically do what there is to do.

We all need to go to good theater; that is what I believe will save it.

I have never been interested in specific roles.

But today I felt different, today I forgot how long it takes to get into the skin of a character and I remembered it, because today I actually got into that skin and it felt so different.

All of the generations go to what is chic for them, and theater seems to be an older generation's art form.

I believe in things that move people, if the audience isn't deeply caught up and moved to either laughter or tears then I don't think it is theater.

I earned my share same as everybody. Well, I coulda got killed same as everybody. And I'm wanted by the law same as everybody. I'm a nervous wreck, and that's the truth. I have to take sass from Miss Bonnie Parker all the time. I deserve mine.

It is so important to get respect for what you do and at the same time give it.

You can't just trust to luck; you have to really listen to what that character is telling you.

The staff, stage managers, ushers all behaved as if they respected the actors.

At this point the theater America is in such a precarious place.

I talked with Brian Stokes Mitchell, who agreed with me that if you have a gift there is always stuff to do.

We all need to go to good theater; that is what I believe will save it.

I believe in things that move people, if the audience isn't deeply caught up and moved to either laughter or tears then I don't think it is theater.

I know people like spectacle, but I'm interested in moving people.

Don't forget the prices are so high in theater; it isn't really where a young person can go on a date and buy two tickets and take someone out anymore.

When I see what I want, I do it.

I think in small towns like this one, whether you're a man or a woman, you basically do what there is to do.

Getting work in theater has always been sort of cyclical.

It is so important to get respect for what you do and at the same time give it.

People who call themselves actors and can't ever get work; they do need to get another profession.

I find that there are few reviews that extol women as wonderful artists.

But today I felt different, today I forgot how long it takes to get into the skin of a character and I remembered it, because today I actually got into that skin and it felt so different.

For anyone with half a brain they can see that this play is about the human condition.

I like time off because I also have a life outside of theater.

There is some sadness for me now about acting because it used to be that there was a reverence for actors.

You can't just trust to luck; you have to really listen to what that character is telling you.

All of the generations go to what is chic for them, and theater seems to be an older generation's art form.

In theater, the wellspring of the character comes from the doing of it, like a trial by fire, but in front of an audience.

I mean, there are times when you aren't working, but still believe that work will come.

Acting is very start and stop.

I have never been interested in specific roles.

I earned my share same as everybody. Well, I coulda got killed same as everybody. And I'm wanted by the law same as everybody. I'm a nervous wreck, and that's the truth. I have to take sass from Miss Bonnie Parker all the time. I deserve mine.