The Actor's Life

1. Embrace the actor's journey: It's a marathon, not a sprint

"I often tell this story when I speak to acting students. Because of all the questions I get, aspiring actors mostly want to know how to endure the rejection, confusion, doubts, and seemingly insurmountable hurdles of an acting career."

The actor's life is a journey. It's filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. Success rarely happens overnight, and even established actors face ongoing challenges. Aspiring actors must develop resilience and patience, understanding that building a career takes time and persistence.

Key aspects of the actor's journey:

• Accepting that progress may be slow and non-linear
• Developing a thick skin to handle rejection
• Continuously improving your craft
• Maintaining passion and enthusiasm despite setbacks
• Celebrating small victories along the way

2. Training and preparation are essential for success

"I believe the most important thing an aspiring actor needs is training."

Hone your craft continuously. Professional training provides the foundation for a successful acting career. It's not just about natural talent; it's about developing techniques, expanding your range, and gaining confidence in your abilities.

Essential training elements:

• Acting classes and workshops
• Voice and movement training
• Improvisation skills
• Script analysis
• On-camera technique

Preparation goes beyond training. It includes researching roles, understanding characters, and being ready for any opportunity that comes your way. The more prepared you are, the more confident and capable you'll be when facing auditions and on-set challenges.

3. Develop a consistent body of work through persistent auditioning

"Your job as an actor is to create a consistent body of work. It is not to book jobs. It is not to worry and beat yourself up over every job you didn't book."

Focus on the process, not the outcome. Auditioning is a skill in itself, and the more you do it, the better you become. Each audition is an opportunity to perform, regardless of whether you book the job. By consistently delivering quality performances in auditions, you build relationships with casting directors and create a reputation for reliability and talent.

Strategies for effective auditioning:

• Prepare thoroughly for every audition
• Treat each audition as a performance opportunity
• Learn from feedback and adjust your approach
• Stay positive and professional, even when faced with rejection
• Keep track of your auditions and callbacks to measure progress

4. Create your own opportunities and content

"The single best thing an actor can do, both professionally and personally, is to create their own work."

Take control of your career. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; create them yourself. By developing your own projects, you not only showcase your talents but also demonstrate initiative and creativity to industry professionals.

Ways to create your own content:

• Write and produce short films
• Develop a web series
• Collaborate with other actors on theater productions
• Create a YouTube channel or podcast
• Write a one-person show

Self-generated work can lead to unexpected opportunities, help you build a network, and give you material for your demo reel. It also keeps you active and engaged during periods when traditional acting work may be scarce.

5. Build a supportive network of fellow artists

"Create a family of weird, creative, supportive people. Sustaining work as an actor starts with the relationships you make with other artists."

Your community is your lifeline. The acting world can be isolating and competitive, but building a supportive network of fellow artists can provide emotional support, creative collaboration, and professional opportunities.

Benefits of a strong artistic network:

• Emotional support during tough times
• Collaborative opportunities for creating content
• Sharing of industry information and tips
• Potential referrals for jobs or representation
• A sense of belonging in a challenging industry

Cultivate relationships with actors, directors, writers, and other industry professionals. Attend industry events, join theater companies, and participate in workshops to expand your circle.

6. Navigate the business side of acting with resilience

"Being an actor is a lifestyle. I wasn't able to shop at Pottery Barn because I hadn't chosen the well-worn path of a conventional job. I had chosen the path of an artist. I needed to embrace my decision."

Understand the realities of the business. Acting is not just an art; it's also a business. Learning to navigate the industry's practical aspects is crucial for long-term success and financial stability.

Key business aspects to master:

• Finding and working with agents and managers
• Understanding contracts and union regulations
• Managing finances during lean periods
• Marketing yourself effectively
• Networking and building industry relationships

Embrace the unconventional nature of an actor's career, including the financial ups and downs. Develop a realistic understanding of the industry and be prepared to make sacrifices for your art.

7. Embrace rejection as part of the process

"An acting coach once told me that my goal should be to collect fifty 'no's' for every one 'yes.' This actually turned out to be really effective advice."

Reframe rejection as progress. Rejection is an inevitable part of an actor's life. Instead of letting it discourage you, view it as a necessary step towards success. Each "no" brings you closer to a "yes."

Strategies for handling rejection:

• Celebrate auditions, not just bookings
• Learn from each rejection and use it to improve
• Keep a record of your auditions and callbacks to track progress
• Don't take rejection personally; it's often about factors beyond your control
• Use rejection as motivation to work harder and improve your craft

Remember that even successful actors face rejection regularly. It's not a reflection of your worth as an actor or a person.

8. Maintain authenticity and integrity on set

"If you're feeling gossipy, pretend you're a priest or a therapist and keep set banter confidential. Hopefully, one day you'll be the celebrity actor and need to count on other people's discretion."

Professionalism matters. On-set behavior can significantly impact your career. Maintain a positive, professional attitude, respect others' privacy, and be prepared and punctual. Your reputation in the industry is as important as your talent.

On-set etiquette tips:

• Be on time and prepared
• Respect everyone's role on set
• Maintain confidentiality about production details
• Be flexible and adaptable to changes
• Stay focused and avoid distracting behavior

Building a reputation as a reliable, professional actor can lead to repeat work and recommendations, even if you're not the most famous person on set.

9. Cultivate a life outside of acting to fuel your craft

"In order to be able to portray people in the real world, you have to have experiences in the real world."

Live a full life. While dedication to your craft is essential, having a rich life outside of acting provides depth to your performances and helps maintain your mental health. Engage in hobbies, travel, read widely, and maintain relationships outside the industry.

Ways to enrich your life and acting:

• Pursue diverse interests and hobbies
• Travel and experience different cultures
• Read widely across various genres
• Volunteer or engage in community service
• Maintain relationships with non-industry friends and family

These experiences not only make you a more well-rounded person but also provide a wealth of emotions and experiences to draw from in your acting.

10. Persevere through the inevitable ups and downs of the industry

"Sometimes you can have the smallest role in the smallest production and still have a big impact."

Stay committed to your craft. The acting industry is known for its volatility. Even successful actors experience periods of drought or setbacks. The key to long-term success is perseverance and a willingness to adapt.

Strategies for perseverance:

• Set realistic short-term and long-term goals
• Celebrate small victories along the way
• Diversify your skills (e.g., writing, directing, producing)
• Stay current with industry trends and technologies
• Continuously seek growth and learning opportunities

Remember that every role, no matter how small, is an opportunity to showcase your talent and make connections. Stay passionate about your craft and committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges.

Last updated: December 12, 2024