Those of us in the entertainment industry are quite familiar with the highs and lows of the chase behind the dream- the thrill of new casting opportunity, that pit in your stomach before an audition, and the consistent effort it takes to capture what you know and deserve as a performer. Personally, I strive to travel down a consistent path of self-betterment where I not only regularly practice my craft, but try to absorb all of the outside knowledge and wisdom I can get my hands on to sharpen my perspective. While reading some insightful pieces on character development as an Actress, I came across a quirky article written by our favorite Backstage.com, and though it is light-hearted, I felt that their advice aligned with many of the messages I remind myself daily when I’m working in between casting opportunity. Backstage.com explained that there are “10 Commandments of Being a Good Actor:”
I. Thou Shalt Not Settle
Too many actors settle for being good when they have the potential to be great.
II. Thou Shalt Not Lose Track of the Big Picture
Actors tend to fixate on short-term details, like finding a good agent and getting the perfect headshot. That’s fine, but the career path you choose will be determined by your long-term goals.
III. Thou Shalt Learn How to Network
Knowing how to meet and interact with industry professionals is an essential skill.
IV. Thou Shalt Be Realistic
When you’re just starting out and you don’t have many credits, don’t ask your agent to get you an audition for the lead in a network pilot. There’s nothing wrong with aiming high, but you can’t lose yourself in the clouds.
V. Thou Shalt Learn to Shut Up
Actors spend way too much time listening to the sound of their own voice. Try keeping quiet every now and then, especially when you’re talking to people in the industry. Who knows? You might actually learn something.
VI. Thou Shalt Question the Source
Don’t believe everything you hear. You know the actor in class who’s half as talented as you but claims he booked a pilot? He’s lying. The guy’s actually doing a Web series that his girlfriend is financing with the money she made dancing at Crazy Horse.
VII. Thou Shalt Learn to Say No
You don’t have to jump on every opportunity that comes your way. I’m talking about the manager who lives out of his car and wants to sign you. I’m also talking about that nonunion film that expects you to perform full frontal nudity.
VIII. Thou Shalt Take Chances
You took a huge risk when you decided to become an actor. So why not keep that daredevil spirit alive as you pursue your career?
IX. Thou Shalt Be Mentally Healthy
Rejections aren’t personal. Your ego doesn’t control your life. And strangers do not have the power to crush your dreams. (Only you can do that.)
X. Thou Shalt Get a Life
Never put life on hold for your career. If acting is based on life experience, how can you be a great actor when you have no life?
Preparation, outreach and inspiration come to mind when I channel this advice and apply it to my Acting career. In between casting calls, it is crucial to hold on to your positivity and regularly practice your craft, so you are mentally and physically prepared when an opportunity presents itself. When I am not working on a new script, I challenge myself to deliver new monologue performances, and regularly take diction, singing and dancing classes, complete writing exercises and of course have insightful one-on-one sessions with my phenomenal mentor and acting coach, Susan Batson. There is always room for improvement and I commit daily to the backend work and preparation behind delivering memorable performances.
Furthermore, this is not an industry that rewards reservation and it is definitely not one for the feeble- minded. Dreams are meant to be captured, they are not handed, and I am constantly connecting with casting directors and agents to learn about emerging opportunity while receiving heartfelt advice on how to further advance my career. Networking is essential, and leaving a lasting impression can unexpectedly take you farther than you would imagine.
I also remind myself that the most powerful performers derive their emotion from personal experience, so I prioritize my inner reflection. A high work rate can be addicting, and I have to actively tell myself that it is okay to mentally step outside of my career and truly live in the moment. The beauty, pain, hardship, love and mystery in the world around us are such natural forms of inspiration that I pull from to demonstrate raw truth in my performances. We all know how hard it is to step back and take a breather, but when you think about it, it’s the farthest thing from a step backward- you are simply gathering and channeling your inspirations.
When you have a moment between the hustle and bustle, I would highly recommend reading “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, for it explains the positive impacts that following a spiritual path to heightening creativity can have on your personal expression. I have learned that even though time between casting opportunity can occasionally feel discouraging, that I am never “off” my path, and that these moments truly are for personal development and growth. From one artist to another, my lasting piece of advice would be to channel your inner child artist, realize that stepping outside your career is crucial in building inspiration and that no dream is ever impossible.
Xo JamieLee