Compliments.

Thank-you.

That’s the best answer to a compliment you receive about your work.

You may be confused as to what to say to a colleague after watching them in a show. If they wanted your reviewer’s opinion they would ask. If they wanted your acting coach’s advice they would ask. 

No one has asked for your opinion on the piece nor on the actor’s work. Why give it?

Your actor friend has just finished work and has done their best. Why not say, ‘Thanks for the work.’ or ‘Good job.’ And then they can reply, ‘Thank-you.’

The problems of making a successful career as an actor can lead to desperation and a need for validation. A need for acclaim. It can become normal to be living off compliments as if that defined your life. 

Seeking applause is common.

Learn to compliment yourself by the mere fact you keep going, you train, you audition, you act in plays and movies, you do your best and – you live.

Those facts can ease any grasping for praise you may have.

A compliment is a recognition of your practice and ideas that bear fruit.

The praise isn’t actually for you but for your work. Knowing this helps curb the desperation for praise.

Learn to appreciate the work that you and others do.

It’s difficult to build something up - it’s easy to knock it down.