Why “Regular” Has No Place in Acting

Actors are often tempted to play it safe.
To tone it down, blend in, and follow the rules—especially in auditions or classrooms. But as Uta Hagen, one of the most influential acting teachers of all time, reminds us:

Being “regular” is the enemy of great art.

Hagen, author of Respect for Acting, believed that shrinking yourself to fit a mold doesn’t just dull your performance—it robs you of your power to be extraordinary.

The Danger of Playing It Safe

When you hold back to seem “normal,” you avoid risk. And while that might feel comfortable, it doesn’t move audiences.

Audiences don’t buy tickets to see average.
They want to be shaken, moved, and surprised.

Your quirks, your edges, your so-called “too-much-ness”—that’s where your magic lives. If you smooth it out to fit in, you’re robbing your performance of its soul.

Bold Choices Create Memorable Performances

Think about the actors you admire most. Are they “regular”? Probably not.
They lean into what makes them different, and that difference is what makes them unforgettable.

Next time you find yourself pulling back, ask yourself:
👉 What makes me unique?
👉 What would happen if I took a risk?
👉 What if I stopped trying to be normal?

Great actors don’t blend in. They blow us away.

Be Extraordinary

Ready to unleash your boldest performances?

Our Script Library is designed to help actors step outside the box with 60+ original scripts that challenge you to stretch, risk, and own your individuality. Perfect for classes, auditions, and self-tape prep.

Don’t play it safe. Don’t play it “regular.”
Check out the Script Library today → [Insert Link]

Summary

Uta Hagen’s wisdom pushes us to abandon the safety of being “regular” and instead embrace our rawness, quirks, and uniqueness. Acting is about bold, truthful choices that reveal the extraordinary within the human experience. If you want to stand out, stop blending in.