#caroline bird
One of my dearest held principles that I share with as many actors as possible is actually quite simple: read poetry. This is even more applicable if you’re also a playwright, writer, director, or composer. The overlap between theatre and poetry is huge, and not just with the classics. Music and poetry are inextricably linked. Reading poetry, both casually and out loud, can really help you grow as an actor and give you the skills to better understand text and subtext when it’s presented to you. Below are some of my very favorite poems for actors. Enjoy.
Megan Married Herself– Caroline Bird
Snow and Dirty Rain– Richard Siken
Ode to the Women on Long Island– Olivia Gatwood
The Kindest Thing She Almost Did – Blythe Baird
May We Raise Children Who Love the Unloved Things– Nicolette Sowder
Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note–Amiri Baraka
Good Bones – Maggie Smith
14 Lines From Love Letters or Suicide Notes– Doc Luben
I have more, but these are some favorites.
