Block out the noise…

I had a moment in class the other night I can’t stop coming back to. Our first exercise was a ‘getting to know you’ ice-breaker type thing where we interviewed each other. I was partnered with a lovely young woman new to the city with dreams of treading the boards on the great white way. I have never heard her sing a note but she is a recent graduate of a very fine program so I think I can assume she doesn’t suck. I have a bad habit of likening people to actors they resemble (a throwback to my casting assistant days) and upon meeting her I thought, she is like a tall Lea Michele. Lea is originating the role of Wendla in Spring Awakening this season. As we got to know each other it came out that her dream role is Wendla but she had been told by many people she was too tall too old too whatever and so she did not go to the audition last week. She also seemed to have resigned herself to the fact that it simply was not the role for her. This makes me ever so sad. Lets try not to sabotage ourselves before we even get started! If you are an actor (or aspiring to be one) you know how tough this business is. Everyone from your cab driver to the doorman seems ready to remind you that this is a foolish pursuit. But as a human being I implore you, block out ‘the noise’. What I mean by that is, block out the people that tell you no. Of course we should all have realistic expectations and be prepared for the inevitable rejection. If you are reading a (we)blog about pursuing a career as an actor you have surely already tasted that bitter pill. Once you begin this crazy life your insecurities will inevitably creep in enough on their own, but YOU are your greatest advocate, YOU are the one person that should BELIEVE IN YOU. Until you do how can you expect anyone else to?