Help!
My child is stuck in the body of an actor!
It’s easy to be happy when everything is going right in your world…
But, how do you stay happy when everything appears to be going wrong?
QUESTIONS: Help me please…over 350 submissions on the Central Casting website since April 1st for SAG-AFTRA work, only ONE job. How can I increase my odds? What am I doing wrong?
ACTORS: Let’s not concentrate on what we are doing wrong, but what we are doing right.
For years, when the business was not in my favor, I believed it was all because of my hair! I thought my hair was the wrong color, wrong style, wrong cut. Then, I looked back at my reels and I had to laugh; I booked with long hair, dark short “Twiggy” hair, the “Lisa Rinna short and sassy look,” highlighted hair, bangs, no bangs! It wasn’t my hair; it was this silly belief that it was my hair! And, interestingly enough, as soon as I surrendered to my hair and stopped over-thinking what I should do with my hair, I booked two commercials, an industrial and print job!
I guess you can say…I got out of my own way!
Our belief system, which is often a bunch of BS! Holds us back from getting what we truly want to experience. Whether you believe it or not, it’s true.
Recently, I was introduced to this great little book, written in the 20’s, that you can download on the Internet; The Game of Life and How to Play it, by Florence Scovel Shinn. I highly recommend it. It will make you more aware of your thoughts and what you are actually “speaking into existence.” Bad or good, we speak what we have. Most of us just aren’t aware of why we are where we are, so we continually complain, gossip and talk poorly about ourselves, which keeps us exactly where we are…complaining, gossiping and talking poorly about ourselves. It’s a vicious cycle, when unaware, and unknowingly, we attract others who help fuel this cycle.
I hear it all the time in audition rooms; one actor begins the why things are not happening and before you know it, the entire room is in agreement.
So, I would like to concentrate on what you are doing right, not what you are doing wrong.
You are self-submitting and so are thousands of other actors. That’s not to instill fear, but to instill awareness.
If you are not getting called in enough, maybe it’s time for new, fresh headshots? A new photo with new energy can be the key to opening that door. Or perhaps, you need to make a trip back to Central Casting and reconnect with those that are working there and share your concerns or show them your new headshot! Let them know you are serious about getting work.
Have you posted your reels on other sites like Casting Networks, Actors Access and Now Casting? An actor just informed me that ever since he posted his commercial reel, not only has he been getting called in more, but also has gotten direct bookings off his reel. He went on to say that one casting director only looks at reels and if you don’t have one, you may not even be considered.
Are you networking? Take an on-camera commercial workshop with a top casting director, or a casting director’s workshop that casts a TV show you feel you’re right for, or hone your acting skills by taking an improv or acting class and network with other actors. Other actors can open the door to their agent or give you advice on showcases or different ways of marketing.
And always be grateful.
I bless every submission I send, I silently bless every actor that is in the same room with me, and I always thank God for giving me the gifts to do what I love.
It’s more than just pressing a submit button. Because of the number of self-submissions, we have to continually stay fresh, new and in the loop.
And it is ever so important to be grateful.
Life is a fun game to be played… the right way…don’t let it play you the wrong way.
Thank you for letting me share what I have learned over the years; my wisdom grows through your thought-provoking questions.
Happy Thanksgiving!
PDF OF “The Game of Life and How to Play it”
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