Overview

The focus of this chapter is on you—the development of your self-confidence and your ability to work within a group.

To be self-confident is to believe in one's worth and abilities. A self-confident person has a positive self-image and respect for self as well as for others. Self-confidence is the first step in appreciating what one has in common with others while respecting what is different.

Building an ensemble—a group of people working together cooperatively—is essential in the theatre arts. The key to a successful ensemble is to form a group whose members know and care about each other.

An important part of the process of ensemble building is evaluation—a critical assessment of individual and group performances. Many people think that criticism consists only of negative responses. Giving an artistic critique, however, involves forming opinions about strengths as well as weaknesses.

Theatre can be fun, but it is also hard work. A passion—inner drive and determination—for theatre, dance, music, or visual arts is an essential part of artistic discipline. To develop that discipline, you must maintain a balance between group cooperation and individual integrity.