45 Quotes by Uta Hagen

Once in a while, there's stuff that makes me say, That's what theatre's about. It has to be a human event on the stage, and that doesn't happen very often.

All tedious research is worth one inspired moment.

The actor must know that since he, himself, is the instrument, he must play on it to serve the character with the same effortless dexterity with which the violinist makes music on his. Just because he doesn't look like a violin is no reason to assume his techniques should be thought of as less difficult.

no work of art is ever finished, nothing is ever static, no performance is for keeps.

The knowledge that every day there is something more to learn, something higher to reach for, something new to make for others, makes each day infinitely precious

Talent is an amalgam of high sensitivity; easy vulnerability; high sensory equipment (seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting intensely); a vivid imagination as well as a grip on reality; the desire to communicate one's own experience and sensations, to make one's self heard and seen.

Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself- and to do so takes AN INSATIABLE CURIOSITY ABOUT THE HUMAN CONDITION

We must overcome the notion that we must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre.

The knowledge that every day there is something more to learn, something higher to reach for, something new to make for others, makes each day infinitely precious.