STOP THE WORLD! I WANT TO ACT!

You know as well as I do that the world is not going to stop spinning so that you can work on becoming a better actor, right? And you also know that other actors are out there working consistently on strengthening their skills. They are in class, attending workshops, working on their materials and their actor business. They aren’t waiting UNTIL THEY GET AN AUDITION to suddenly kick into high gear. They know it takes consistent attention to stay in the game and move steadily toward their goals and dreams.

Maybe you were one of the lucky ones. You had a few years in a conservatory or film school that allowed you to focus primarily on what it means to be an actor and how to develop your craft with minimal interference from the non-acting world. Ah, the luxury of living with the single focus of actor training! Now, things just aren’t the same. The ” real world” and it’s competing  responsibilities keep throwing you off balance. You “mean” to read more plays/screenplays. You ” know” you’d feel more confident and prepared if you were in a weekly acting class. You” try” to stay informed and keep your headshots current.
Life seems to get in the way. Yes, I know there are bills to pay, perhaps tests to study for, groceries to earn and to eat. And you don’t have an endless supply of cash. What are you to do?

 It starts with the power of decision and the commitment to do something every day toward our growth as artists and actors.  I know it’s possible because I am living it. Not without a good dose of trying and failing, I might add. Sometimes I forget to decide!
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s better if it’s not. A simple action every day.
“Do or do not, there is no try” – Yoda
KISS.  Keep it simple, sweetie.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
How do you eat an elephant? A bite at a time. ( Ok, that makes my stomach turn, but you get the idea.)
You KNOW these things.  There is surprising POWER in deciding to take your dreams seriously. Each step you take toward your dreams brings more energy, vitality and enthusiasm to propel you forward on the journey!

Invest in the power of decision and priority. ( Don’t roll your eyes, you know I am right about this!)

Instead of waiting until you FEEL LIKE IT, DECIDE to ACT whether you feel like it or not.   Remember, it’s not the grand gestures but the daily small steps that build new habits and move us forward.

Nibble on that elephant. ( if you must)

Take that baby step. It’s important!

Do, not try.

Keep it simple, sweetie.

You may find yourself feeling encouraged and enlivened.

And the world can keep on spinning because you are acting on your  dreams every day.

Keep acting in joy, gang!

Mary