Examines the nature of imagination and creativity in the acting process. Argues that successful acting is the ability to extend the imagination into the creative act of developing a role and building a character. Discusses specific ways a theater educator inspires creativity in actors. (RS)

Most performer-writers accept the writing process simply as a means to an end: the shared performance event with a live audience. While writer-performers regard a script as more important than the performance, a solo performance is, however, a showcase of the artist's talent, and creating one's own text offers the performer artistic control. Some…