I can talk the hump off a camel’s back. There’s a reason I got into acting and voiceover, and still want to write on the side…I’ve got a LOT to say.
But I’m going to keep it short this week, because I’m busy, you’re busy, we’ve all got STUFF.
So, let’s get right to it:
Just because it’s simple, doesn’t mean it’s EASY…
What’s the number one reason that actors, voice actors, and (let’s face it) ANYONE fails at any endeavor?
Not taking responsibility for their own success.
It’s not your fellow actors’, your teachers’, your agents’, or anyone else’s responsibility to give you the information you need to succeed… it’s YOUR responsibility to do the research and seek it out.
It’s not an agent’s responsibility to add you to their roster… or a director’s responsibility to cast you… it’s YOUR responsibility to be (in the words of the great Steve Martin) “so good they can’t ignore you.”
It’s not your agent’s responsibility to get you auditions… it’s YOUR responsibility to show them that you are working 500% harder than they are to get yourself work.
It’s not a casting director’s or director’s job to tell you what you need to improve or why you didn’t get the job… it’s YOUR responsibility to seek out opportunities to improve.
It’s not your acting teacher’s or coaches’ responsibility to push you… it’s YOUR responsibility to push yourself. To pick the kinds of materials (scenes, VO scripts, etc) you want to work on, and work on them frequently. And if your teacher isn’t giving you enough constructive criticism, it’s YOUR responsibility to find a different teacher to facilitate your growth.
It’s not your fellow actors’ responsibility to come support your show/film/stand-up set/band/etc… if you really want a career as an actor, it’s YOUR responsibility to keep working at your art whether you have an audience or not.
It’s no one’s responsibility to motivate you… it is YOUR responsibility to motivate yourself.
If that’s hard for you, like it was hard for me earlier in my career, then I suggest finding a coach, an accountability partner, or a mastermind group.
But I promise, from experience, while those things will help: It’s still your responsibility to do the work.
No one else can make you do it.