Stress Of Actors..Am I crazy?

[Amneris]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 5:30pm

Well, I know some of you think I am crazy lol jk.. but, I am beating my brains out to death. I can not think of ANYTHING I want to do more in my life than perform in any way,shape or form in the professional theater. It upsets me to even see actors whom I admire so much bitch about being tiresome in their les miz roles after a few short months in our favorite book on this board.. Even at Non Equity auditions, they type out now.. How is one to survive an accomplish a dream if they can't even get past the sign-in sheet? I know rejection is the biggest part of the business and it only helps me grow but, I feel depressed and I feel like I am dragging a lot of people down just wanting something so bad. My best friends call me Debbie Downer (the rachel dratch character from SNL) lately because I don't know what to do. Is it just luck?? Does anyone else here feel the same way? I honestly feel like Charlie Bucket in Willy wonka.. How he wants to find the golden ticket more then anyone else in the world.. I just want to get cast in something. I'd play a prop if I had to. Thanks for letting me vent a free bww therapy session.

xoxo
Amneris

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 5:39pm

A good way to vent your creative stuff is in an acting class. No, it's not doing a show, but you're sharpening your tools and doing SOMETHING.....also, you are forming connections and making friends who are in similar circumstances. Maybe you have already looked into this, but it's what I find helpful.

[Amneris]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 5:52pm

thank you =) actually... I wouldn't mind if people could throw out some ideas for good acting classes in NYC. Not on camera classes..just the reg.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 5:52pm

also, if you can't get an acting gig now, write down what you are feeling. That is what I did when I couldn't act and my play made it to semifinals at the National Young Playwrights Festival. It might not be your dream career but it might help.

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 8:32pm

I agree with what has been said thusfar...also, don't forget to create your own opportunities. There is no reason why you can't write a new show for yourself, direct a new show, produce friends in a new musical, and/or do something else creative.

Be creative and create something for yourself!! No need to wait for others to see you in order for something to happen.

[Winokur_fan]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 8:43pm

Just a little note only b/c of your reference to Willy Wonka...just remember, Charlie found the golden ticket...

[Chloe]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 11:26pm

Sometimes the only way to get somewhere is by taking the side streets. I don't know if this applies to you or not, but I find that focussing really strongly on a certain goal can prevent me from seeing an opportunity right in front of me, just because it doesn't *look* like that goal. But people often end up where they are by the oddest pathways.

Take my avatar over there. He spent fifteen years pursuing the goal of being a rock singer, then casually decided to audition for RENT just for the hell of it.

[M J R]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 11:37pm

Your talent level is only one of MANY factors involved in landing a role. You need to MEET PEOPLE. Forge relationships with other actors - take coachings from different music directors - take seminar classes at Actors Connection, where you get an "audition" with the person teaching the class (agents, directors, casting directors, music directors...) and you get FEEDBACK from them about what they think you need.

Also, examine what you think your life will be like once you do finally get that "big break" - will it make everything perfect? Eventually, you will see that while you still love it, it is, in fact, a JOB - and then you'll be able to see where the people on tour are coming from when they complain...

Updated On: 8/5/05 at 11:37 PM

[GypsyRoseLee]

Posted: 8/6/05 at 12:51am

Well, you've clearly got the drive and the thick-skin. Both are VERY important if you're going to be in this business. Work your ass off, and don't lose sight of those! Attitude is so important.