As I approach an age milestone that I wouldn’t dream of revealing here I can’t help but reflect on who I was as a younger man and the hopes and dreams I had for myself. Would the Matthew DeCapua of five or ten years ago be disappointed to meet the Matthew DeCapua of today?
Naturally, when we initially consider acting we imagine ourselves as successful. Even if fame and fortune aren’t part of our optimistic fantasy, we certainly don’t picture ourselves struggling not only to make ends meet but also to find a venue for our unique and important talents (happily, I am definitely closer to “successful” than I am to the other end of the spectrum!)
With age, it is said, comes wisdom. While I might not be rich or famous I am certainly accomplished, and I am also definitely much, much wiser. Professionally speaking, every year is a little better than the one that preceded it. I keep putting in the work, and I keep seeing growth and results. And thank goodness too– if this were not the case, I think I can truthfully say that by this point I would have had to abandon ship.
As times goes by I read about more and more actors that struggled throughout their youthful days only to at last arrive into uncontested vocational success later in life. I am convinced that I have put myself in line to be one of these actors, and I like it this way. We tend to appreciate things more when we’ve had to earn them.
Come Monday, June 16th, I will move into the co-op apartment I bought in mid-May (I’ve been renovating). I’m a homeowner now! I feel quite fortunate to be living a piece of the American Dream. Also, however, this major step up gives me more comfort and security as I contemplate my future as a professional actor in New York City. There’s no question about it whatsoever now– I am in this for the long haul.
And I’m proud to be in a stronger position to help anyone that resonates with this long-term view of professional advancement.
Incidentally, I invite you to check out TVI Actors Studios’ new blog, “Inside the TVI Actors Studio.” The URL is
http://insidetviactorsstudio.com/
I will contribute to that site, where you can learn about the accomplishments of myself, my colleagues and those that we strive to assist. And I will continue to post my weekly industry musings here.