The following Career Dispatch essay was written by Aaron Dominguez, who stars opposite Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short on the Hulu murder mystery-comedy “Only Murders in the Building.”
The sting of falling short time and time again: Haven’t we all been there? Haven’t we all felt it? It can feel like a never-ending cycle. When I think about all the time, focus, and love that I’ve dedicated to the art when it hasn’t quite gone my way, “defeat” is the word that comes into focus—audition after audition, callback after callback, screen test after screen test.
We all know the uncertainty and fear that surrounds this thing we do and the profession we’ve chosen. In an industry that is forever evolving, we are left with no choice but to accept, adapt, and evolve with it. I say this not only to remind you (and myself) of what matters most, but also in hopes that my two cents can offer some type of solace or reassurance.
Why Selena Gomez Was Steve Martin’s Top Pick for ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Thanks to my agent, Alexander White, and my manager, Bryan Leder, a recurring theme in my life in 2019 was focusing on the work. During this period, all I felt was that sting, followed by silence. I had callbacks or was in the mix for 30 or 40 jobs that year, and they were all opportunities that would’ve changed my life.
“Focus on the work, and the rest will fall into place.”
I had been in Los Angeles for less than two years at the time, and I had started getting caught up in the logistics of it all. I thought I didn’t have strong enough relationships with casting directors or studios. I figured I didn’t stand a chance against actors who had grown up in L.A. or had been here for a long time. It got to the point where I was so discouraged that my work began to suffer. Because of all the pain and the letdowns, I didn’t care as much anymore.
Then, my agent gave me a valuable piece of advice: Focus on the work, and the rest will fall into place. I hated hearing it at the time, but it’s now an idea I’ve grown to love. I had to come back to my truth and to controlling only what I could.
Eventually, CDs and studios began to take note of me, even if I wasn’t getting the job. I was doing good work in the room when the time came to perform, and that’s all you can ask of yourself. The rest is not up to you. And in due time, people won’t have any choice but to notice all the time, focus, dedication, and love you’ve put into your craft. It’ll show; trust me. It may not be today, tomorrow, this year, or the next, but if you keep plugging away, something will eventually give.
READ: How to Audition for Hulu
I’ll leave you with some of the wisdom that has challenged me to be better—and more importantly, brought me peace:
- “Work begets work.” —Michael Aaron Milligan, actor
- “Do you want to be great, or do you want to be famous?” —Nicolas Dominguez, my father
- “What leads us to truth will lead us to honest work.” —yours truly
- “Be in class. Study, study, study the greats.” —also me
- “Let everything happen to you. Beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” —Rainer Maria Rilke, poet
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!