The whole world is being seriously challenged right now and there is no Industry, more seriously impacted than the arts..
This pandemic is having a huge impact on so many people. From actors and entertainers, producers and directors, to ushers and cleaners. We are all impacted.
Most Casting Directors have closed their doors (nothing to cast here), most agents are closed (nothing to cast here) and no jobs are available (no productions here).
Our industry has been hit hard. No theatres, no cinemas, no productions, no filming….. the impacts go on as this pandemic escalates.
But it is worth remembering that art can live in the face of a pandemic.
And how fortunate we are here to have technology on our side. Just give a moments thought for those in 1918 in the eye of the Spanish Flu, with no television, no phones and no Netflix, Not even transport other than horse and carriage!
How lucky we are here to have Zoom – such a wonderful way to help connect and communicate in todays crisis. It allows families to connect, teachers to teach and artists to engage. We become a community to offer each other love and connection.
So the question is: As an actor what are you to do?.
We all need to take the time right now to look deeply and assess what is important and what is not.
In these trying and discombobulated times, now more than ever, artists of all persuasions need to know that there is a community, a base of like minded creatives that have their back.
Here are 5 things you should do to keep yourself fit and active for work when it comes back. And it will. Soon!
So be ready!
- Stay fit. There are so many online programs now to choose from – pilates, yoga, weights classes, tai chi, stretch classes. The list goes on. There is no reason why you cannot keep fit at home without needing a big space to give yourself a work out.
- Stay connected. This is so important, not only for your mental health but actors are connectors and communicators. It is imperative that you have at least one good chat a day to a mentor, a family member, a friend. Exercise your mind (and your body)
- Read a script, a play or some text that stimulates and provides a vehicle you can build a character from.
- Find an acting teacher and /or a mentor that you can trust and work with at least once a week.
- Meditate. Find space in your day to go outside and be grounded to the earth. Practice your breathing and let yourself appreciate what you have rather than what you don’t have.
That’s where we at The Audition Technique comes in. We are here to help support, educate and encourage you in your journey as an actor.
I assume you have heard of our Online Drop In Classes? We have developed these specifically for you our actors, to help you through this difficult time. Just click on the link for more info. Each week you are given a lesson, choose a script from our library (or your own), record a self tape – integrating the weeks lesson into your work – then upload your self tape for mentoring by Casting Director Greg Apps.
