A few days ago, I attended the last workshop I will attend in 2015. There was a wide range of talent there and I enjoyed the experience, but the notable part of the evening occurred before the workshop even started.
I arrived early that night because that’s the way I’m built. I’m never late. I wish some of my clients would learn to mirror that quality. Anyway, as I said, I showed up a few minutes early so I ducked into the men’s room and planted myself in one of the stalls.
While I was taking care of business, two male actors walked in and proceeded to have a candid conversation, not aware their industry guest was sitting a few feet away on his porcelain throne. Concealed behind that metal door, I felt like wildlife expert Dian Fossey discreetly spying on the gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda.
The first actor was asking his friend how the last casting workshop he had attended had turned out. The second actor responded he was really upset about it. He had crushed the read, so the casting director had given him a shot to audition for her network show and he ended up booking the gig. The first actor was surprised. He asked his friend why he was upset. The second actor explained it was a small role that only had a few lines and he felt he was better than that. The guy actually said, “I can’t believe that bitch didn’t give me a chance!”
I decided to go Sherlock Holmes on his ass, so I dropped to my knees and memorized the shoes he was wearing. An hour later, I recognized his feet when he walked in to have a one-on-one session with me. Now, here’s the thing: His résumé was practically a blank piece of paper. This dimwit was greener than the cross in front of a marijuana dispensary. The only credit that stood out was the small role he felt was beneath him.
On the drive home, I found myself appalled by the actor’s lack of gratitude. This is a tough business, and it’s hard to catch a break. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, should be applauded. That’s how you build a career.
Can you imagine what this actor is going to be like in a few years? Booking a large guest star role will mean nothing because he’d rather be a series regular. Signing with Innovative will be a step back because he wants to be at CAA. And winning a SAG Award will be a let-down because he’d rather have an Oscar.
I predict a lot of therapy in this guy’s future.
Actors are their own worst enemies. They always find the negative in every positive. And that’s a lousy way to live. I would also argue that manner of thinking doesn’t serve you as an artist or as a person.
Now that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I implore all of you to take a moment and acknowledge every positive thing you experienced as an actor in 2015. And I don’t care if it’s a short list. I’m sure a few good things happened. So show a little gratitude for those accomplishments. They count. They matter. And so do you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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