When Working, Work Even More
Actors are fond of talking about the difference between studying in class and working on set or in a show. The obvious shifts are the pressure, the time constraints, and the urgency of having to perform NOW. It’s a bit like being asked to pee on demand. Not easy.
There’s a part two to working, though, and it lies in the opportunity to advance your career. In a fierce blow of irony, the very time that you are at your busiest – under the lights, memorizing lines, sleeping very little – is when you need to be even busier. Promotional material should be flying, meetings should be taking place, and networking should be at its most frenzied.
The life of an actors is a bit of a boom-and-bust affair. When the show ends, you’ll likely find yourself wandering the streets with nothing to do, or back at your other job, in a regular schedule. There is much work to be done then, too, of course. Taking classes, editing reels, auditioning for parts begins anew.
But if you’re working, work even more. It won’t last too long, and you’ll be glad your wrung the cloth for every last drop. Besides, sleep is overrated…