Is theatre acting important to a commercial acting career?

Question

I've always wondered this. I want to be a commercial actor, not a theatre actor. But is it important to have a background in theatre acting to be successful? This would be in the bay area. I don't think I'm fit for theatre, just TV.

Answer 1

Acting is the same everywhere.

There is only good acting and bad acting.

Good acting is when you are being yourself

Bad acting is when you are "trying" to be someone else

Answer 2

You don't have to have theatre acting,

but its a good to have

just to show you have had some acting experience,

in front of people.

And that a director chose you out of a big group to be in their show.

So,

No,

You don't have to have it,

It's really more about experience.

Answer 3

any background in acting is important.

exposure is the best thing any actor/actress could hope for.  always start small and prosper from there.  a degree is one of the most important things on an actors resume even if it's just an associates degree.  it shows that you've learned from certified local experts.

Answer 4

I wouldn't say important more like beneficial.

when you act onstage you learn to take direction, movement, posture, and blocking all of which you would need in commerical acting. you don't have to have it to get a tv

commerical but the more you know and how to do it better the more your chances of

acheiving what you want. also you perform before live people. the camera is easy for some but not for others. I was in plays before I auditioned for tv and boy it made talking into a lens a heck of a lot easier. hope this helps.