Ok. Let's be real here. How many times have we made a bunch of new year's resolutions and by February we've slipped back into old habits? I know I'm guilty. Maybe we make too many. Maybe we make resolutions that aren't realistic. Well I'm going to give you 3 resolutions that as an actor or performer you should make this year that will keep you on track and invigorate your career:
1-Update your materials!
This is something that gets over looked year after year. We get busy and before we know it, it has been 5 years since we've taken a head shot or updated our resumes and we're singing the same songs for auditions! Don't slack on this. If you have a head shot older than 5 years, it's time for a new one. If you've had a drastic weight change or appearance change, it's time for a new one. Make your head shot and resume a priority this year and get it done first. If you have been auditioning with the same song and monologue for 3 years, it's time for a change don't you think? I remember when I first started auditioning in NYC, I used the same song for a year and didn't book anything. I decided to change my song and BAM! I started booking shows! Even though you might LOVE that song or monologue, if it's not getting you jobs, it might be time for something else.
2-Take a class!
This should really go without saying but you'd be surprised how many performers don't stay on top of taking classes. As an artist you are always learning. ALWAYS. We all have a weakness as performers that we want and need to work on. Me personally, when I was performing, I would take dance class a couple times a week because it was what I struggled with the most. I would also take acting classes throughout the year. Remember. Doing shows and training are 2 different things. As you continue to train, you have the foundation to build on. You can perfect how to create a character and work on that time step which in turn helps to book you more jobs.
3-Perform in a lesser known show!
My favorite one of the three! Sometimes, especially in small towns, people get so hung up on big name shows and the glitz and glam of it that they don't realize there is the same amount of fun and learning experiences in lesser known shows. For instance, the musical sensation Hamilton started in a studio about the size of ours. At that time, some people were hesitant about participating and auditioning for that show. It was new, different and hadn't been done before. Well we all know how that story ended right? The same applies with you. Of course you want to do Legally Blonde the musical and High School Musical and Sweeney Todd. I totally get that. But what if I told you that there are some great shows out there that are just as good as those big shows but just don't have the popularity. There's SO many plays and musicals that have great characters and music and the best thing about them is, you can use that material for auditions! This is especially true for my kids and teens. Can't do Legally Blonde? Well how about the hit musical Emma-A Pop Musical? Did you know it is done in thousands of schools and community theatres across the country? Because it's fresh and different and still relevant! Don't be afraid to do lesser known shows. They will be your ticket to building your resume and acquiring new audition material.
As always, I hope you were able to get something out of this blog today. If you did, in the comments type #operatonresolution
Have a happy new year and see you at the theatre!
As always, I hope you were able to get something out of this blog today. If you did, in the comments type #operatonresolution
Have a happy new year and see you at the theatre!
