Unless you are one of those magic few, we all have dry spells now and again in our careers. There are the essential things to do when this happens:
– Keep auditioning
– Take classes to stay sharp
– Keep your chin up
And then there are the OTHER essentials. Here are six activities I feel are vital to staying sane and making the most of that time:
Read a book!
I have already written about the importance of reading for an actor, but I’m not talking about reading scripts for monologue material. Read something for you. When I am working on a project I never have time to read anything non-script or research related. Reading something for me is such a treat!
Enhance your perspective, gain some knowledge, take yourself places. If you prefer narratives and fiction, I suggest reading something that could give you something beyond pure entertainment. That book on your high school required reading list you skipped? Those literary greats you’ve always heard about but never read for yourself? Those are excellent places to start. It could also be DIY or self-help, biographies, Rick Steve’s Guide to Africa, Mandarin for Dummies, what have you. Don’t be afraid to really dig in and explore our world’s literature and language. The key here is to engage your mind and enrich your own point of view.
Go to the theater!
Being out of work is the perfect opportunity to go to the theater. You finally have time to see someone else’s show! If you are worried about the cost, there are plenty of ways to see great theatre for less money. Pay What You Can, Industry Nights, Student Discounts, Rush Tickets, TKTS and HipTix (if you’re in NYC), Discount Preview Nights, Comp Tickets… If you haven’t experienced National Theatre Live yet, GET ON IT. London’s finest theatre brought to a cinema screen near you. It’s such a deal. Some of the best theatre and best actors I’ve seen in my life, for under $25.
Seeing theatre is also a great way to stay engaged in what’s happening, who’s who, what makes great theatre and what…doesn’t. I have learned so much about the craft by watching mediocre and terrible theatre. As much, if not more, as seeing great work. Don’t be afraid to be disappointed. It certainly keeps me inspired to work harder to do better. To fight for myself to get the work. So see as much as you can. When you get back to work, you might not have the luxury.
Make a Life
Life, capital L. Real Life doesn’t start when you’re successful and have those buckets of money. Your life, YOUR LIFE, is happening right now. There is no telling which of us will “make it,” but whether or not I do, I surely don’t want to look back on my life to see nothing but a failed acting career. I don’t want any of us to see that. So, travel. Have adventures. Have rewarding relationships be they filial, friendly or romantic. Create a home for yourself. Make art. Enjoy your community and the world, but don’t forget to give back goodness in return.
Question everything
What are you doing? Why? What do you want? Why? Where did you come from? Where are are you going? What do you need? Who do you need? What’s important? Why is it hard? What will help? How? When? What is working? How is it not working? Can I do this?
Lay it all out for yourself. Find patterns. Find options. Find answers that help you succeed from the knowledge of who you are, what you want, what you need. Know yourself. Don’t be afraid of the big scary questions. They’re there for a reason. They’re there for everyone.
I am NOT saying to critique everything or judge everything. It’s not about doubt. It’s about understanding. Take time to assess. If things are bogging you down, shake some baggage loose by asking what’s necessary.
Eat great food
Seriously. It may sound silly but it IS essential. Eating good-and-good-for-me food makes me really happy. It keeps me strong, energized and balanced. It keeps me looking and feeling good. Food has to happen every day. It’s a fact. Take joy and care in it. When you do, Ta Da! You’ve just enriched your Life three times daily!
Clean your room
Having a clean living environment is more important than it gets credit for. This is coming from a girl who HAAAAATED cleaning her room growing up. (You can ask my mother.) I still struggle keeping the clutter at bay. (You can ask my roommate.) When Life feels like a mess, don’t add to it by having a messy living space. It’s amazing what tidying up can do for morale and peace of mind.
Do you have other essential activities when you’re out of work? I’d love to hear them below in the comment section!
x Jennifer