1 Agent on How to Enter 2021 With Your Health, Creativity + Financial Security Intact

As my holiday present to you, I would like to introduce: The Indirect Approach to Becoming a Successful Actor. This entails focusing on elements of your life that aren’t scene study or audition technique. I’ve identified three areas that can always use some attention; working on them will give your acting career an added boost in the new year.

1. Creativity
   Actors shouldn’t just act; that’s not enough if you want to be a true artist. Try exploring a creative outlet that is totally new to you. I represent several working actors who also write, sing, dance, paint, and sculpt. A few even dabble in the culinary arts. (Those clients are my favorites, because they’re always dropping off samples of their work.) Don’t look at this addition to your life as a possible way to make money. That’s not the point. Your goal should be to challenge yourself in a way that’s jarring to your routine. Doing this will expand your horizons and make you more confident. And those qualities will boomerang back to your acting in ways you can’t begin to imagine. One more note: This isn’t about gaining a new expertise, so put your type A personality on hold. If you choose to try painting, you don’t have to become the next Picasso. You just have to enjoy what you’re doing.
2. Financial Security
   Understanding how money works is important. Even if you’re barely getting by right now, this is about planning for that glorious future when you’re supporting yourself as an actor. You should begin thinking about your retirement, even if you’re just in your 20s. Actors tend to live in the moment—and that’s cool! But that kind of thinking can destroy your financial future. So, if you don’t already have a retirement account, open a Roth IRA in the coming year. And don’t just do this because I said so. Read up on your options so you can understand what you’re doing and why it’s a smart move. This is also a good time to educate yourself on the deductions you can take as a performer. Yes, taxes are boring, but they’re a necessary evil, and you should never pay more than you have to. Are headshots and websites legitimate expenses? What about that closet you call a home office? You can find the answers to those questions online, and Backstage usually features articles on this topic as the dreaded month of April draws near. 
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   What Actors Need to Know About Filing Taxes This Season
3. Mental and Physical Health
   Most actors are fairly health-conscious, but it’s always a good idea to challenge yourself in new ways. Being a fit thespian will help you survive the slings and arrows of the entertainment industry. Take up a new activity next year that will improve your physical or mental health. This could mean changing your diet or learning to cook healthy meals. It could also mean taking up yoga or hiking. Whatever floats your boat. The idea here is to keep your instrument finely tuned so you can take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. 

I hope you enjoy this present. It’s better than a gift card, isn’t it? And following this advice might inspire you to come up with your own form of self-improvement. 

Cheers, and happy holidays!