“Everything is working except for the stuff that’s not.”
-Ensign Pilsner, when asked for a damage report.
We’ve installed a new computer system here at TVI New York and let’s just say it’s an adjustment. If things have been quiet here lately, well, now you know why.
As always with me I try to parse these present difficulties for lessons that an actor can use. I’m still parsing, but an ugly trend I’ve noticed lately is of the “take care of me” variety.
Many folks develop a mentality that, at some magical point in time, they will no longer be responsible for their acting careers. Somebody else– an agent, a manager, a producer or director, a career consultant– will assume the responsibility. To see it here in writing makes it seem childish, but I’m really not exaggerating when I tell you that, unfortunately, I see this sort of thing every single day. I’ve even been guilty of it myself. Mea culpa!
I believe it important to recognize when we are in the “blame others” mode. The bottom line is and always has been and always will be this: you are responsible for your own career. Period.
Are your agents not getting you the auditions you want? Don’t complain about it, do something about it. Who are the casting directors on those projects? How can you build a relationship with them? Are you simply not yet ready to audition for those projects? If so, how do you rectify the situation? Do you need new representation?
Can’t find an agent? How long have you been trying? Who are you trying with? What are you doing to make yourself more appealing to an agent? What else can you do? What can you do to get the kinds of auditions that you hope your (someday) agent will get for you?
The list goes on and on and on and on. I guess it boils to this: when there’s something you find unsatisfactory about your career, ask what you can do about it. Sometimes the answer will be “nothing,” but I’m of the opinion that most of the time the answer will turn out to be, quite a lot! ‘Tis a great tragedy that nobody will do the work for you. But only a tragedy in your own world!