I was interested in theatre, and the only experience that I had in high school was as an actor. But when I got in Conservatoire, my teachers would give me a lot of flack because I wasn't rehearsing my lines; I'd be doing stage management. I was interested in sound. I was interested in architecture. I was interested in every aspect of theatre.

The quote by Robert Lepage — "I was interested in theatre, and the only experience that I had in high school was as an actor. But when I got in Conservatoire, my teachers would give me a lot of flack because I wasn't rehearsing my lines; I'd be doing stage management. I was interested in sound. I was interested in architecture. I was interested in every aspect of theatre." — reveals his multidimensional passion for the performing arts, extending far beyond the spotlight of acting. While Lepage began his theatrical journey as a performer, he quickly gravitated toward the behind-the-scenes elements that shape the overall experience of a production.

His teachers’ frustration at the Conservatoire over his lack of focus on acting underscores a traditional view of theatre education, which often emphasizes the role of the actor. However, Lepage’s curiosity about stage management, sound design, and architecture of the stage reflects a holistic understanding of theatre. He saw performance not as a standalone craft, but as an intricate collaboration of disciplines, each contributing to storytelling and audience impact.

The inclusion of architecture in his interests is particularly telling. It speaks to his awareness of space, form, and design — crucial elements in set construction, spatial movement, and the visual language of live performance. This architectural sensitivity would later become a hallmark of Lepage's work, where staging and environment play an integral role in narrative, often incorporating innovative use of space, multimedia, and structure.

The origin of this quote likely comes from interviews or retrospectives in which Robert Lepage reflects on his early artistic development. Now known as one of Canada’s most visionary theatre directors and multimedia artists, Lepage’s interdisciplinary curiosity set the foundation for a career defined by innovation, experimentation, and a deep respect for every layer of theatrical creation. His journey emphasizes that true artistry often arises from exploring the full ecosystem of a craft, not just the part visible on stage.