I have been asked, more than once, why would you encourage someone to go into the acting profession or even study acting? It's a very practical question and it affords me the opportunity to reaffirm my chosen practice.
Think about it, when an actor devotes himself or herself to serving the playwright or screenwriter they must embody a journey of self-growth through character discovery. What other profession requires the participant to so closely align themselves with another person. In researching their character's given circumstances, even the broad strokes of era, gender, age, socio-economic status, sexual preference, race, religion, etc. give the actor insight into the motivation and emotional make-up of each new character study. Acting then can become an experiential education in psychology, philosophy, politics, history, economics and the list goes on.
For me, understanding the nature of people's desires is the beginning of the knowledge of life. I simply find dramatic literature can provide a more profound truth than theories in psychology. Dramatic literature is like a vast library of personal journals of very human pathways, because all dramatic writing is, by nature, autobiographical.
Even for the students of acting who seem ill fit for the profession, I encourage them to continue the study. There will be human growth, even if they are really better suited for accounting. When I see a light go on after a novice actor first grasps how a physical action can express an inner truth, they will become better communicators and interpreters in their own lives.
Then there is the delightful work of physicalizing a role. The actor continues the process of understanding this "temporary alter-ego" through external techniques of movement and vocal research. The detailed specifics of character's carriage, gate, tempo, vocal tempo, vocal color, breathing patterns, gestures and mannerisms can suddenly bring full dimension to the physical life of the character. Don't just "Walk a mile in my shoes." "Walk for six weeks of rehearsal in my shoes!" if you want some real understanding of human nature.
I have a great desire to open the hearts and minds of the students in my classes, and I try to do it through offering guided experience, in place of judgment. That is where I find they grow into compassionate healthy adults and find their own points of view.
Ultimately I do believe that the discipline of studying the craft of acting, and continuing the courageous act of performing, is truly a noble profession that should always be available for those who seek the journey.