Known for his portrayal of the Seventh Doctor in "Doctor Who," Sylvester McCoy frequently offers acting advice that reflects his in-depth knowledge of the art. Although he recognizes the importance of both television and film, he stated in one interview that he prefers theater to these media.

According to McCoy, an actor's main responsibility is to interact directly with the audience during a live performance. As they narrate stories in front of an audience, theater gives actors a chance to establish a personal connection. Since each performance involves instant feedback from the audience, this storytelling technique is similar to constructing a bridge between the actor and the audience.

McCoy acknowledges that film and television function differently, even though he values their capacity to reach larger audiences and record moments that can be viewed again. The recording and editing of performances in films and television alters the relationship between the audience and the storyteller. It is comparable to painting on canvas as opposed to sculpting with clay in that both techniques produce art, but they involve the artist in different ways.

McCoy emphasizes the value of theater as a personal storytelling medium that necessitates actors being totally present in every moment by expressing his preference for it. This viewpoint highlights the immediacy and connection that live interaction can offer, which helps explain why some artists prefer live performances over recorded ones.