So here's a kindler, gentler
article about showing up. A feel-good romp to make you smile even
if they hated you at the audition today or your agent just told
you to lose 20 pounds and get a nose job. Here's some things to
consider if you gotta trod the boards or the sound stage:
• You Gotta Want It!
If you're the type that feels challenged when someone tells you
that "you'll never be a . . . ", acting is definitely
for you. When I was studying acting at UCLA, the chairman of my
department first told me that I'd never be an actress, then told
me I'd never be a lead actress. Was he ever wrong! And
I think part of my acting journey was about making him wrong.
• Accept the Rejection!
Let's face it . . . acting is a profession based upon rejection.
Especially at the beginning. I think I did 103 auditions before
I got my first paid job. Once you accept that, auditioning will
be more relaxed and fun. Think of it as a process, not as a means
to an end, and you'll never go wrong.
• Be Grateful!
I wake up every day and go to sleep every night grateful for my
talent and the opportunity to give it to the world. I know that
sounds a little corny, but if you have that attitute of gratitude
it'll make working on your craft a joy. And everyone around you
will pick up on it. Can you imagine what would happen if you went
to auditions with the feeling that you're grateful to be there.
And wanting to make those casting people's lives a little happier
that day?
• Do Your Best! When
I was acting, I used to walk into auditions and everyone I saw
was skinnier and more gorgeous than I was! Whether that's true
or not, the only thing you can do is to be yourself and do the
best that you can do. Trust that you have this unique quality
and talent that no one else has!
• Remember That it Is
a Business! You may think
that you're doing your all for your career by going to class,
taking a few casting director workshops and auditioning when your
agent sends you out. If you think that way you're selling yourself
short. Think of your career as starting a small business. If you
were starting a business today called "Your Name,
Unlimited", what would you have to do to make it successful?
You might find out all you can about the business of the business
by reading the trades every day, going to seminars, and reading
books like Haber's How to Get the Part without Falling Apart
and Henry and Rodger's How to be a Working Actor. You
might also make lists of people connected with projects you admire
and find ways to meet them. Or subscribe to a service like Now
Casting, read the breakdowns on a daily basis and submit for a
certain number of projects a day right online. I know I've said
this a jillion times before, but submitting is so easy
nowadays that I wish that they had computers when I was acting!
Better yet, think like Ross Bell,
the producer of Fight Club. Ross was once riding around
Hollywood on a bike with his credit cards maxed out. Now he's
famous for flying anywhere in the world and having the chutzpah
to confront whoever he wants to attach to his next project wherever
he can find them. Ross was the first producer to persuade director
Pedro Almodovar to do an english-language film. Think like Ross
Bell and don't wait for your Agent Fairy to wave his or her magic
wand. If you think of your career as a business, you'll be more
proactive, you'll get work, your agent will love you for it and
work harder for you. A win-win all around!
• Network! I
don't know anyone who has a business that doesn't network these
days. And in Hollywood now as always it's definitely who you know.
But these days you can meet the next hot producer or director
sitting next to you at a networking meeting or class! Ross Bell
was once in a Flash Forward class I took. So I'd suggest you check
out organizations like CineWomen, Women in Film, Film Industry
Network, Filmmaker's Alliance, and the Hollywood Global Entertainment
Network. The August issue of Acting Magic has some of the
URLs for these organizations. Make friends, gather business cards
and get together for coffee or a drink. All business people do.
• Find Out Who You Are!
I know that this is a
lifelong proposition but many actors try to fit themselves to
a type rather than finding their own unique quality and the venue
where they can best express this quality. Even though I did TV,
nightclub and stage work, my happiest and most fulifilling time
as an actress was when I acted in and administrated a touring
children's theatre. So would you be happiest doing film or doing
regional theatre? Comedy or drama? Remember you will be the most
effective and the most unique in the niche that most resonates
with your creativity.
• Take Care of Yourself!
This is important for everyone, but I think actors need special
care as they use so much of themselves. So take some R & R
time. Do things like yoga, meditation, reading a trashy novel
. . . things that have nothing to do with your daily life or acting.
And by all means, get enough sleep and enough nourishment. It's
difficult to do well at an audition if you're exhausted or overwhelmed.
It's also difficult to do well in life.
