Actors: Can You Honestly Say You Are Deep in The Work?

How often do you hear the advice "Just do the work!"?

In an industry that demands we constantly be developing our craft and be self-tape savvy, ​take a long look in the mirror and honestly come to terms with whether or not you are doing everything that is in your power to do.

Are you taking classes or workshops? Are you prepping scenes? Are you creating self-tapes? Are you practicing with your set-up? Are you updating and sending out your assets? Are you connecting with other actors? Are you asking questions? Are you reading about technique? The list goes on my friend!

Yes, I get it. You are busy. Life gets chaotic. You're tired. You don't feel comfortable on camera. You're unsure of your choices. You're scared. You need to go over it again. You're not off-book. You'll do it tomorrow. Sound familiar?

I know firsthand the dichotomy of being a creative and wanting to work vs. battling self-doubt and feeling so overwhelmed nothing gets accomplished. 

Let's do the work. Together.

Let's be so deep in the work that when opportunity and auditions come a knockin' you are incredibly prepared for them. If we are only as good as our preparation let's go all in.

As actors we have to be ok taking risks. We have to be ok knowing that sometimes our choices for a performance are stellar and sometimes they fall flat. We have to be ok with being uncomfortable.

We have to be ok putting our work out out into the world.

Be brave. Be you.

You are a creative. You are empowered with resilience.

So how do you persevere when you are reeling from all the feelings? How do you become the actor you dream of being?

1. You work. Stop waiting for the next audition and start focusing on being better at your craft.

2. You create. Self-tape a scene, a monologue, write, etc.

3. You ask for help. Reach out to other actors who have been in the business longer, are taking new classes or are experiencing similar circumstances. Nurture those connections. Ask questions.

4. Ask yourself how you can better your art.

5. Write down your goals.

6. Give yourself permission to feel everything.

7. Get out and live your crazy, glorious life. The more experiences, the more emotions and the more people you meet will give you a deep well to draw from when role prepping.

Your life is a result of your choices. Make some bold ones. 

You got this. I’m rooting for you.

~Jami