Why Do We Do This?
Image by: Indigo Tidewell
It always comes back to this one question: why do this? Why put ourselves through the auditions, constant traveling, and preparation all for constant “rejection.” I use quotes for that r-word because I refuse to think of those roles that went to other people as a reflection on me. In doing so, we internalize the wrong message. The message that we’re not good enough over and over and that’s just not true. Still, it hurts after a while…all that trying. So why bother?
The answer is simple and annoyingly clichéd. We do this because we’re called to. Contrary to what many industry folk have said to me, everyone does not want to be an actor. There are a ton of us, sure, but as sure as I’m typing this right now, I can tell you for certain that if you felt that call to get up off your butt, get into an acting class, pay for a headshot, and strip (emotionally) naked under a spotlight for the world to see, you felt it for a reason. That’s your soul, your deepest self, calling you to participate in this brilliant craft spanning hundreds of years.
Let me tell you why you’re not here. If you’re reading these words, you’re not in it for fame. Fame isn’t worth the time it takes to seek guidance and growth. Fame-seekers think they already have it all to “make it.” At least from what I’ve observed. You’re not in it for the money either. You know this is the long game. A marathon of sorts. And while you trust you’ll make a way, you know that money (especially if you’re a woman…especially if you’re of color) will not soothe your choice to pursue this profession. In fact, if you’re like me, you’ve had plenty of day jobs to get you through this process of creative transformation.
Now I’ll tell you why I’m writing this blog. I too felt the call and was blessed to hear it when I was young. Through all of my experiences over the last decade, I got sick of witnessing other struggling artists wilt under the harsh demands of the entertainment industry. So I’m offering this blog as a form of support and encouragement in order to find joy and empowerment in our pursuit. I say “our” because this is just as much a healing venture for me as I hope it will be for you.
Why do we do this? We do this because we need to. Because it’s our air. So take a look around. Don’t underestimate where you are at this point. Treasure it all and when you need to, come exhale with me for a while. :)
