"A longtime actor who has found success in film, television, and theatre over a 30 year career spoke at Williams College Monday evening [02/18/2002].
Edward Herrmann, who acted in last summers' Williamstown Theatre Festival, said when actors open a play in Williamstown, it is always exciting because the short preparation and running time keeps it fresh.
The actor, who currently can be seen in the "Gilmore Girls" on the WB Network, gave the audience a glimpse into just how difficult a performer's work and life is. Besides the fear that goes along with the actual nature of the job, actors also desperately fear the review.
Herrmann says worse than a bad review is no review at all.
After working 6 weeks or more on developing a character, Herrmann says it hurts actors deeply to have their performance misunderstood, dismissed, or overlooked by a critic.
Herrmann described actors as being like "mirrors," as they reflect the feelings they hold inside so their audience can share the moment. He says actors want to touch their audience because they have been touched in some way. Herrmann says critics should honor and understand an actor's work and have a knowledge of the process actors, directors, and writers go through. Herrmann urged any prospective journalists to understand the true nature and motivation of an actor, and not to rip up a performance and destroy it."
© 2002 Berkshire Broadcasting Co., Inc
