An increasing number of actors at my studio have been working lately.
It looks like there is a lot of work out there and the actors who are good and talented are booking. Most classes have one or two actors out due to a job. It’s great to see.
Recently, I’ve noticed a pattern in some of the conversations about the jobs that some are booking. Here are a few comments I’ve heard recently. “Yea, I booked this gig, but it’s only a few lines.” “It was just for one day and It’s just a bit part.” “A friend recommended me and I stepped in, I didn’t audition so I don’t really considerate it a job.” “It was just a few days, a co-star.” “It was a guest star, but it was only one day.” “It’s only a pilot,” “The money was only…” blah, blah, blah,…. it goes on and on.
I saw them downplaying as if the only “real job” is when the money or names attached are big, or people know about the project and it has high visibility and popularity. Do you do this? Are you humble or ashamed? Either way, I say to you, STOP, STOP, STOP!! This is all your ego.
You are an actor, and actors act, I don’t care about the size, money, or glory. I am interested in actors working, I tell them.
I shared a conversation I had with my accountant years ago. He has an advanced degree and specializes in complicated real estate returns. He loves to sink his teeth into complex returns. One day a person came into his office with a simple 1040, easy basic return. I asked why he takes those jobs on with his extremely sophisticated training and experience. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Because I’m an accountant, this is what I do and who I am. This person needs my services!” This was a passionate, talented, dedicated professional. It touched me. Made me think, would your doctor refuse to see you because you have a simple cold, since he is trained for much more complicated issues? No, he is a doctor, and he treats patients, no matter how big or small, serious or not.
So actors, stop judging yourself through the status of your jobs.
Your work is to act, take every job and see it as an opportunity and gift to do what you do, which is acting. That energy will grow with you, and send a positive message to the universe. Every job should be a celebration. There are no small acting jobs. I tell my students, “You are an actor, and if you believe in the project, then celebrate, and do the work. That is who we are and what we do. Besides, you never know who you might meet, or what may come of it. Work begets work so keep your attitude positive.”
Till next time, take care.