The Actor's Oath
I swear to fulfil, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the hard-won creative gains of those actors in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.
The Vow of Preparation
I will undertake the necessary study of the script and the physical space, recognising that knowing my words and my scene mechanics is a measure of professional respect. I will honour the time of the ensemble by never coming "empty-handed." But in the same breath, I will not let my preparation become rigid. I will build a strong foundation of choices tailored to the work needed, precisely so I can liberate them to explore the unknown, remaining malleable to the Director, my scene partners, and the truth of the moment.
Non-Maleficence
I will apply all measures required for the benefit of the Character, avoiding those habits which lead to ego or the distortion of truth. I will remember that I do not play a role to judge it, but to give it LIFE. I will "do no harm" to the play by seeking my own spotlight at the expense of the ensemble or the story.
The Art, the Science, the Magic
I will remember that acting is an art as well as a technique, and that vulnerability, empathy, and listening may outweigh the precision of a mark or the clarity of projection. Humans are not perfect, for in our imperfection lives the magic. Look to be human not to be perfect.
Humility and Collaboration
I will not be ashamed to say "I do not know the way forward" in a scene, nor will I fail to call on the guidance of my Director or the support of my Fellow Actors and Coaches when my own craft reaches its limit.
Confidentiality and Sacred Space
Whatever I see or hear in the rehearsal room or the privacy of the dressing room, I will keep secret, acknowledging that the creative process requires a sacred trust that must not be broken for gossip, public gain or power over my Fellow Actors.
Prevention of Falsehood
I will remember that I do not just represent a script, but a human being whose story may affect the lives of those watching. I will prevent the 'disease' of cliché and the 'infection' of laziness, choosing to live the difficult path of emotional honesty.
And, above all else...
I will remember that I remain a member of a creative community, with special obligations to ALL my Fellow Artists, those who paint my face and dress my body, those who build the sets and tools, those who capture the moments, those who write the words, those in charge of safety and those who stand beside me in the light.
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- Adapted by Stefan Erasmus from the Modern Hippocratic Oath, originally penned by Dr. Louis Lasagna (1964)