I used to find bowing at the end of a show kind of weird… it’s like this old fashioned custom that only exists in a few strange contexts.
It wasn’t until an older actor explained it to me that I got it. He said that the bow is an act of generosity.
What? Me bowing for people to clap is generous?
Yes.
This is their chance to thank you for the performance you’ve just given.
It’s like if you gave someone a gift and didn’t give them an opportunity to say thank you- kind of a stink thing to do, right?
You can’t short change the audience. You can’t quickly bow and rush off.
You have to take you bow. It’s not for you; it’s for them.
Are there other areas in your life where you aren’t taking the bow?
