Embracing Vulnerability: Understanding and Addressing Humour as a Mask for Insecurities in Acting Classes

Humour—it’s what gets us through the day, right? We joke around to break the ice, to make others feel comfortable, and, sometimes, we use it as a shield to cover up our own insecurities. In acting classes, this tendency can show up more often than you think. And while a good laugh can lighten the mood, it can also become a subtle escape route from the deeper work we need to do as actors.
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Think about it—how many times have you cracked a joke in class to cover up the nerves or dodged a vulnerable moment by getting others to laugh? We’ve all been there. But at what cost? Let’s dive into why we turn to humour to hide our insecurities and how embracing vulnerability could be your true superpower as an actor.

Why Do We Hide Behind Humour?
Think about the last time you found yourself in an emotionally intense situation. Maybe it was during an exercise in class when you were asked to dig deeper than you felt comfortable. Did you feel the impulse to crack a joke? If so, you’re not alone. Humour often acts as a buffer, a way to deflect the uncomfortable emotions that come with being truly vulnerable.

There’s something about acting classes that can make us feel like we’re under a microscope. Whether it’s the pressure to perform or the fear of making mistakes in front of peers, this pressure builds and we instinctively seek ways to relieve it. Humour becomes a shield we can hide behind, offering a quick escape from the raw, messy work of being seen. But while this might feel safe in the moment, it stops us from breaking through the walls we’ve built.

Underneath the jokes, there’s often anxiety. Will I fail? Will I embarrass myself? What will people think? And in a class where we’re expected to be vulnerable, opening up to these emotions can feel overwhelming. By turning to humour, we can mask that fear of being judged or rejected. It’s a way of controlling how we are seen, keeping ourselves safe from the unknown.

The Hidden Costs of Always Being 'The Funny One'
Of course, humour has its place in class—it can be a wonderful ice-breaker or help lighten the mood when things get too heavy. But when it becomes a go-to defence mechanism, it can start to do more harm than good. Imagine this: you’ve spent weeks in an acting class, but instead of leaning into the vulnerability that acting requires, you’ve been using humour to sidestep the tough moments. What have you missed out on?

In many ways, the instinct to joke can become a crutch. When used too frequently, it stops us from confronting the deeper emotions necessary for real growth. Instead of embracing the discomfort, we retreat behind the laughter, keeping the emotional work at arm’s length. Over time, this pattern can hold us back from reaching new levels of personal and creative discovery.

And let’s not forget the impact on others. Acting is a collaborative art form. When one person consistently uses humour to deflect, it can shift the entire dynamic of the class, disrupting the flow and making it harder for others to engage. What could have been an authentic, emotionally charged moment is defused, and the opportunity for a deeper connection slips away.

Breaking the Habit and Embracing Vulnerability
So how do we stop using humour as a shield and start allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in acting classes? It’s not easy, but the first step is awareness. Catching yourself in the moment when the joke is about to slip out and asking, "What am I really feeling right now?" Instead of hiding behind laughter, try leaning into the discomfort. It’s there that the real magic of acting begins.

Creating a safe environment is also key. Acting classes work best when they foster trust. If you’re an instructor or a classmate, encourage openness by allowing room for mistakes, awkward moments, and raw emotion. Vulnerability isn’t easy, but when we feel safe, it becomes a little less terrifying.
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In the end, acting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. And that means showing up fully, even when it feels scary. Humour is a beautiful tool, but it’s only one part of the emotional palette. By embracing the discomfort that comes with vulnerability, we unlock a deeper connection to our characters, our craft, and each other.

​Letting Go of the MaskNext time you feel that impulse to break the tension with a joke, take a breath. Ask yourself what you’re really trying to avoid. It’s not about banishing humour altogether—it’s about choosing when and how to use it. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable in those tough moments, you’ll start to experience the breakthroughs that every actor needs to grow. And who knows? You might just find that embracing your insecurity leads to some of your most powerful performances.