All too often, actors are so focused on traveling down one path to achieving their goals that they turn a blind eye to other kinds of acting work and never see what’s in the periphery. The truth is that very few actors ever make a living by working in only one venue and, beyond that, many find that the experience of working in a different setting gives them new insights and abilities. These new skills will ultimately make them better actors. But it begins with two things – the desire to say “Yes” to something new and one scrap of information.
Bread Crumbs
Every small lead you get for a possible work opportunity is, quite literally a breadcrumb, a morsel of sustenance for you and your career. And while you cannot survive on just one crumb, if you are attentive, never letting one fall away, but rather gathering them together and working to turn them into something, you can make a loaf of bread…and you can live on a loaf of bread.
It is the cumulative effect of following through on all those small opportunities that truly makes the difference. The people you meet, the experience of the project itself, and the further breadcrumbs that come your way are the magic trifecta of success.
The Power of Yes
Because so many actors view theatre, film, or TV as the only legitimate outlets and opportunities for work, they turn their noses up at all the other venues that are available to them. Trade shows, training videos, commercial modeling, etc., are viewed by many actors as not being worthy of their time and talent. While these projects may not be artistically satisfying, they certainly can be technically challenging if you make them so. As the saying goes, “If you’re bored, you must be boring.” Truly, it is the smart, curious and driven actor that can take any project and turn it into a rewarding experience.
The Road Less Traveled
So when that chance comes along to do something different from your usual work as an actor, something that would demand more of you as both an artist and a professional, seize it! The director of that training video you work on could be the one who hires you for her indie film. The money you make as the spokesperson for a company at their tradeshow will pay your rent while you’re working at a summer stock theatre playing Hamlet. The infomercial you host could give you the experience you need to land that cable TV show you’ve dreamed of. The truth seems to be that the path to your ultimate success does not travel in a straight line but is full of twists and turns…are you ready for the ride?
To read another article on this general topic go to: Actors and Networking - How Randomness and Chance Can be Used to Your Advantage
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