Acting in a British comedy vs. Acting in an American Comedy

Most American actors have a lot of experience acting with an American audience. When acting in a play written in Britain, however, most actors don’t realize how much they have to change their style in order to make a British comedy accessible to an American audience. Most American theaters, in the age of high action films, are prepared for very physical, very loud comedy. Because of new technology, American audiences like their jokes handed to them, and most expect the theater to be the same reactive experience as a film, as opposed to the interactive experience it actually is. Most American actors acting in a British comedy will realize the first time they step onto the stage that they will need to conform their style to the script, and not vice-versa.
Another important aspect of the acting experience is the director of the show. At least one time in an actor’s career, he or she will most likely work with a student director. To make this experience the most enjoyable one pos...