Paul Heyman Quotes

On the whole, actors shout when they don't know what they're doing, trying to make an impact.

I've always had a process that I do before I even get to set or go to the location. I work privately, and it almost feels like therapy between me and who I'm playing. So I have this inner life that's there and it gives me a confidence, too, that when I'm playing the role I know every question.

You know, I've never been much of a method actor. I feel like, with every project I go in extremely prepared and I like to have a good time.

I think one of the mistakes actors make is we're so focused on what we're going to say.

I feel no terror when I'm acting. There's no tension. It's just a part.

For me, the audition is always the hardest part of the whole process. Once you get on set, once you're in costume, you're with the director, it's so much easier to get in the headspace.

My strength lies in prepping. I'm not someone who can just walk onto the set and perform.

I am so used to being up on stage and talking to my fans that it's strange to be on stage and be someone else. I can't look at the audience during 'In the Heights' or I will start talking to them.

With acting, I always feel conscious of what I'm doing.

There's nowhere to hide in the theatre. You can't be the one in rehearsal who doesn't know their lines.

As an actor, you wouldn't be able to play a character if you were worried about the reaction to what you're doing.

Every audition is different, but I get incredibly nervous and insecure and worked up for however long I have to prep - that's when I get to spin. But you're not allowed to spin once you enter the room. Doubt really can't enter the room when you're auditioning - unless it's part of the character.

I did Shakespeare in college, and the nerves I got doing Shakespeare are the same nerves I get doing 'Mad Men.' I want to get the dialogue just spot-on.

Nothing makes an actor feel freer and more inventive and more creative than being trusted.

I've been onstage once for one performance with four days' rehearsal.

There are a lot of things that make up a performance, a lot of technical things. It isn't always just about pulling it up from the darkest recesses of your mind or your heart. It's your experience and your observation.

Frankly, acting doesn't scare me because I really enjoy it.

Acting is just a process of relaxation, actually. Knowing the text so well and trusting that the instinct and the subconscious mind, whatever you want to call it, is going to take over.

The play is on top of me all the time, and I am constantly thinking about it. Even when I leave the theatre, I'll mumble the lines to myself or think about the way the character walks or holds himself.

I have to believe in the character to perform it.

I find acting slightly nerve racking, but I like the challenge.

For me, there's nothing more valuable as an actor, or better way to learn, than getting to perform in front of a live audience, no matter where you are. Whether it's on Broadway, in Florida, or doing a tour.

Acting can be very solitary, even if you're in a scene with someone else, because you worry about your own performance and if you look good.

My effort is to slip into any role that is offered to me. The minute you go into those costumes, those grand sets, and start prepping up for the role, you become the part or at least start feeling the part.

I find it difficult to work if I don't know the lines, you know, and not just knowing - they're second nature to me. Then, whatever happens in the performance when you're actually doing it, you're not going to go off. You're going to retain all of that. So I like to have my lines.