The Role of Listening in TV Acting Most people think that acting is just about saying lines, but that’s just part of the equation. Actors who work on TV Show actors understand that what really makes magic happen is when they listen. Listening isn’t just hearing words; it’s responding truthfully to what someone else brings to the moment. As a film and TV actor, my responsibility is to make every scene real, and it begins with listening to what’s going on around me. On television, actors might be in a situation of dialogue, stressful situation, or emotional interaction, and the secret to making these moments become real is reacting truthfully. The greatest response is through active listening, taking in what’s occurring, and then responding with that information to make the next action or reaction happen.