Meryl Streep Gives Advice to Theatre Students at University of Texas

Meryl Streep recently visited the University of Texas theater department in a discussion titled, "A Conversation With Meryl Streep," according to an ABC News article.

Theatre professor Fran Dorn, who studied with Streep at Yale University, set up the audience question and answer conversation to encourage students looking for jobs in the theatre industry. For half an hour, students at the talk were able to ask the actress about her journey. Graduate students even had the chance to eat lunch with Streep.

"I'm speechless -- I can't really describe in words," graduate student Mykal Monroe said according to the article. "I believe in magic, and it was a very magical moment."

"I believe in the work that I've chosen: it's the altar of everything I believe and care about," Streep said. "I think of it as, that's my church. Every time I get lazy I think, 'This is your church Meryl!'"

Among other things, Streep talked about her early days at Yale University in 1972 and some of the memorable professors she had.

She also explained the "stamina" it takes to be an actress "Not just physical, but spiritual, mental, character stamina," Streep said. She stressed "feeling" your characters and exploring their thought process.

At the end of the presentation, Streep said, "You have to get your life right before you can get your art going. At least for me the things that matter most are peripheral to my awards or parts I've played, my life is what matters."

For the full article and to watch clips for the event, click here.