The actor struts his little hour, <br />Between the limelight and the band; <br />The public feel the actor's power, <br />Yet nothing do they understand <br />Of all the touches here and there <br />That make or mar the actor's part, <br />They never see, beneath the glare, <br />The artist striving after art. <br />To them it seems a labour slight <br />Where nought of study intervenes; <br />You see it in another light <br />When once you've been behind the scenes. <br /> <br />For though the actor at his best <br />Is, like a poet, born not made, <br />He still must study with a zest <br />And practise hard to learn his trade. <br />So, whether on the actor's form <br />The stately robes of Hamlet sit, <br />Or as Macbeth he rave and storm, <br />Or plays burlesque to please the pit, <br /> <br />'Tis each and all a work of art, <br />That constant care and practice means -- <br />The actor who creates a part <br />Has done his work behind the scenes.<br /><br />Andrew Barton Paterson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/behind-the-scenes/
