You know what I hate? When someone tells me to be positive, like it will somehow solve all life’s problems. When I’m in a not-so-happy place, having someone tell me to be positive makes me want to punch them in the face.
But, and I really hate to say this, the positive people do have a point. Being positive makes people want to be around you and work with you, so being a positive person is advantageous to your career.
Since being uber-positve is not my forte, here are the steps I take to help me move away from the negative and into the positive.
1. ACCEPT THAT REJECTION IS PART OF THE GAME. In Hollywood it seems like people are always looking for reasons not to give you a job.
I was in a producers’ session for a straight-to-DVD sequel of a not-so-great movie. One girl came in and hit every note perfect, actually got the comedy, and was gorgeous. I was sure she was the one and then a producer said, “She was great, too bad her eyebrows are so bushy.” And just like that she didn’t get the part. I wanted to scream, I mean I could send her down the street for a waxing and have her back in an hour, but it was too late, the producer had made up his mind. Rejection is always going to be here, but know the reason for your rejection can be something ridiculous, like a producer not understanding that hair can be waxed off.
2. DO SOMETHING FOR YOUR CAREER. When I’m feeling down and think no one is ever going to cast me in anything ever again, that’s when I know I need to go out and be proactive. But acting generally requires more than one person and an audience, so what can you do on your own?
A. CREATE WORK AND CAST YOURSELF. Here are some examples of proactive actors giving themselves jobs:
It’s all about asking for what you want and yeah, it’s shameless self-promotion.
This went viral and was even featured on a news program in China!
This went viral and was even featured on a news program in China!
A history based travel show from actress Allison Wottowa who combined two of her loves: travel and history.
Each episode went from story idea to finished product in less than two weeks!
There are so many high quality, inexpensive cameras available that it is easy to just go shoot something with your friends. All it takes is an idea.
B. TAKE A CLASS. Here are some of my favorites:
- SAG Foundation which offers free classes to SAG, AFTRA, and Equity members. Their classes cover everything from Casting Director Workshops to How to do your Taxes.
- Hollywood Happy Hour is another place that offers free seminars to it’s members and membership is free. If there isn’t an event right now then go over to their Yahoo Group and get in on the discussion that covers all aspects of the Business.
- Or you can just sign up for any of the amazing acting schools all over town. Get your improv on at UCB or delve into the Meisner technique by auditing a class at Playhouse West. Find a way to work on your craft so when you do get in the room you will nail it.
C. WRITE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES in this ridiculous town; like how about starting a blog?
3. TAKE A DAY OFF. I know it’s hard to give yourself a break, but giving yourself a mental health day will make you a better, more relaxed actor. I got an annual pass to Disneyland for the days when I’m feeling down. But this is LA, there are a million things you can do: hang out at the Getty, sit on a beach somewhere, or get happy hour margaritas at Cabo Cantina. Find something that brings out your smile and just go do it!
So, now you don’t have an excuse. BE POSITIVE!
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