Meaning: The quote by Theodore Bikel provides insight into the unique challenge faced by comedians when transitioning from performing live in front of an audience to acting in comedic roles for film. Bikel's words highlight the fundamental difference between performing for a live audience and delivering comedy in the context of a film, emphasizing the necessity for comedians to draw upon their experiences with live audiences as a guide for their performances on screen.

When comedians perform live, they are able to gauge the immediate reactions of their audience and adjust their delivery in real-time based on the audience's response. This dynamic interaction between the performer and the audience is a crucial aspect of live comedic performances, as it allows the comedian to fine-tune their timing, delivery, and material to elicit the desired laughter and engagement from the audience.

In contrast, when comedians transition to acting in comedic roles for film, they are often required to deliver their performances without the immediate feedback of a live audience. As Bikel aptly points out, they are "working in a vacuum at the time" of filming, meaning that the laughter and response from the audience will not be experienced until the film is released, which could be months or even longer after the performance was recorded.

This presents a significant challenge for comedians, as they must rely on their past experiences performing for live audiences to inform their approach to comedic acting for film. Drawing on their knowledge of what works in front of a live audience, comedians must adapt their comedic timing, delivery, and physicality to suit the medium of film, all the while anticipating the delayed reaction from the audience when the film is eventually released.

Furthermore, the quote also underscores the uncertainty that comes with filming comedic performances. Unlike live performances where immediate feedback is received, the success of a comedic performance in a film is not guaranteed, and the laughter that the comedian is working to elicit may or may not materialize when the film is eventually screened. This aspect of uncertainty adds an additional layer of complexity to the task of delivering comedy for the screen, as comedians must trust in their instincts and experiences while filming, without the reassurance of immediate audience response.

In essence, Bikel's quote captures the dual challenge faced by comedians when navigating the transition from live performances to comedic acting for film. It speaks to the need for comedians to leverage their experiences with live audiences as a foundation for their work in film, while also acknowledging the unique and uncertain nature of delivering comedy in a medium where the audience's reaction is not immediately felt.

In conclusion, Theodore Bikel's quote offers valuable insight into the intricacies of comedic performance and the transition from live comedy to acting in comedic roles for film. It sheds light on the vital role of past experiences with live audiences in shaping comedic performances for the screen, as well as the inherent uncertainty that comes with filming comedic scenes. Ultimately, Bikel's words encapsulate the nuanced and challenging nature of comedic acting, highlighting the importance of drawing on one's experiences while navigating the distinct dynamics of live and filmed comedy.