Since its 2021 premiere, ABC’s mockumentary sitcom “Abbott Elementary” has racked up accolades, awards, and the kind of devoted fanbase that knows every last one of Barbara Howard’s withering put-downs and Jacob Hill’s clumsy attempts at wokeness. The show resonates with audiences due to its juxtaposition of offbeat humor with poignant moments of connection, as depicted both hilariously and authentically by its talented ensemble cast. Here are their most valuable insights on everything from developing your craft to managing the emotional roller coaster of an acting career—no desking required.
Proper preparation is key.
“Pay attention to craft. There’s a lot of shit out there on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—quick ways to the top. But a healthy knowledge of the craft you’re pursuing is so valuable, even if you’re super talented. You can be so talented, but knowing the history of the thing—going back and studying Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin and following every avenue of comedy—is so helpful in making work that will last.” —Quinta Brunson
“You should be incredibly familiar with the text. You can’t get around that. Every word is specific. I’ve heard of actors reading their lines 250 times. Do whatever you have to do to never fight for a line.” —William Stanford Davis
“I was told in drama school that one of the only things I can control is working harder than everybody else; so I try to do that. If I go in there knowing as much as I can, then I won’t regret however it goes.” —Chris Perfetti
Have trust in your collaborators—and in yourself.
“One of my favorite things now is being able to be in this position so I can help other people shine. My coworkers have often said to me, ‘Thanks for seeing me. Thanks for seeing what I can do.’ When people feel like they have the opportunity to make better work because of ‘Abbott,’ that makes me want to pursue more later on.” —Quinta Brunson
“Sometimes, it’s not even something that you really think is necessary or [that] you feel you should do; but be open as an artist to try something different. I honestly believe that my being able to take direction, to listen to what was being said to me and just accept it, has put me where Barbara Howard and I are.” —Sheryl Lee Ralph
“I really saw how I wanted to be, not just on-camera but off-camera as well, while working within an ensemble. That’s why even to this day, I always want to seek out an ensemble. When it’s clicking and everyone’s firing on all cylinders, there’s nothing better than that.” —Tyler James Williams
It’s all about PIE: perseverance, ingenuity, and effort.
“This has to be a 360-degree, 24/7 commitment. I once heard that being an actor is like being a whole other species of people, and I’ve borrowed that because it’s true. If you’re an actor, everything has to be about your craft. All your civilian decisions—going to the gym, finding a job, going to bed early or staying out late—should be in service of the work.” —William Stanford Davis
“The beautiful thing about this business is I have not felt a greater high and a lower low. It has the opportunity to absolutely soar or sink you. The advice I would give is to prioritize learning how to manage that feeling—because if you can do that, you can truly do anything.” —Chris Perfetti
“You’ve just got to carry on and thank God for the angels that come to you and say, ‘Remember your dream; remember who you are.’ ” —Sheryl Lee Ralph
“Use all of you. Always.” —Lisa Ann Walter (quoting advice from Stanley Anderson)
