"Film acting is really the trick of doing moments. You rarely do a take that lasts more than 20 seconds. You really earn your spurs acting onstage. I needed to do that for myself. I would hate to say at the end of everything that I never did a stage play"

Sam Shepard is recommending that movie performing is more about capturing minutes than it is about delivering a full performance. He believes that stage performing is more difficult and satisfying, which it is something he needs to do for himself. He is indicating that he would regret not having done a phase play, which it is something he requires to do in order to feel fulfilled as a star. He is highlighting the significance of phase acting, and how it can help a star to sharpen their craft and become a much better performer. He is likewise suggesting that movie performing is much easier, as takes seldom last more than 20 seconds, and that stage acting requires more devotion and skill.