Don't wait ...Go After It! 4 Ways I Help Myself!

The entertainment industry has a chain of command like most industries. Singers have managers/agents, and so do actors. Let's specifically focus on the actor for the sake of this blog. For actors to be considered a professional, they need to have an agent. It's the agent's job to help them find potential work, so the agents will submit their clients to casting directors for specific roles in projects. The casting directors are hired by the production companies, who are sometimes hired by networks if the projects are studio projects. The networks always have the last say on who gets hired or not. As an actor, we have to sit, and wait for our agents to call us, wait to audition, wait for the job. How do we stop waiting and start doing? Here are 4 ways I help move my career along, so that I am not dependent on my agent:

1. Network - Networking is so important in the entertainment industry. The best way to network, is to attend industry events, but if this is not your cup of tea, then that's okay. I have met all sorts of individuals in the most random places, who are very well connected, just by talking. You never know who's around you, so don't be shy and speak up. Be interested in people; they just might be able to help you.

2. Find a site where you are able to submit yourself for roles. If there are no such sites, then I suggest you do your research, and find out what's casting in your town. Once you have done this, find out who the casting directors are, and email them with your CV and showreel.

3. Attend workshops. This ties in with networking, but will also be a great way to share your talent with others and build experience on your CV.

4. Believe in yourself enough to promote yourself.

The other day, I was looking through casting breakdowns, and came across a role that I felt suited me, for a film being cast and shot in Bulgaria, starring Nicolas Cage. My agent didn't call me about it, so I emailed the casting director my showreel. The very next day I received a reply, with an attached scene and a request for a self tape.

If I waited around, I would never have had the opportunity to introduce myself to this casting director.

We work in a tough, tumultuous industry, but it's also an industry that can change your life in an instant. There is something exciting about the unknown when you are fighting for your dreams. Anything can happen, so keep putting yourself out there and don't wait anymore...go after it!

Nerves

Nerves can be such a drag. Personally, I hate them. Some performers can use nerves, turning them into adrenaline, which helps boost their performance. I was the complete opposite. I had varying degrees of nervousness depending on the situation. Somedays I'd get dry mouth, other days I'd shake, while other days I would not be able to move or say anything because my whole body felt paralysed. I have been performing professionally now for many years, and still get nervous. I used to find shame in this, trying to hide my fears the best I could.

Being on stage has never been challenging. It's always right before an audition or just before I step out on stage/set that does it, but once I start performing, I'm absolutely fine.


Now that I'm older, and more experienced, I am able to talk about this ongoing battle. Being in an industry where 90 percent of the time you are rejected can be extremely taxing on the soul, and can play with your self esteem. Nerves can develop for various reasons, however they all stem from the same place...the mind. I remember the day someone told me, the reason I am nervous is because I care so much. I carry this helpful piece of information with me to every casting, and every job. This person has helped me conquer step one of my battle, but what about my self conscious mind that tries to put negative thoughts into my head saying, "You're not the best. What if they hate your song? They're going to be bored. You are going to mess up your words. There are prettier girls." My biggest task of all is to silence these voices, and find my inner cheerleader.

The day this all turned around for me, was the day I read about Barbara Streisand and her stage fright. To learn that such a talent and superstar like Barbara Streisand had stage fright, made me feel more human, and less like a failure. I thought, if she can do it, so can I.

After my Barbara Streisand revelation, I was uplifted by more stories. Meryl Streep would throw up before filming a movie. Amy Adams feels paralysed before a performance. Adele suffers from anxiety on tour and has even puked on someone.

Everyone of these performers have discovered their personal way of coping, and I have found mine through meditation, deep breathing, internal self praise, and self belief. Once I relax, it's game time! I am not cured, and most likely will never be, however I can manage my nerves which to me is a win.

If you suffer from nerves or stage fright, don't be ashamed. It's absolutely normal and should not define your capabilities as a performer. The only way to conquer your fears are to face them dead on...so speak up, and don't give up! You are enough!