Whether you’ve been acting for over a decade or you’re just starting out, many of you will encounter the same obstacles in this industry. In this article I am going to help you get over these roadblocks by breaking down the five most important traits in every successful working actor with whom I work.
1.They know their strengths and weaknesses, and never stop making strides to improve on both. Every actor should be self-aware and conscious of how they are perceived by others. Your job is not only performance. When you have a sense of how you’re being perceived, you can make small adjustments and improvements to what you’re doing. Maybe your strength is comedy, but you’re not as confident with drama. If that’s the case, it would be in your best interest to study performances of some of your favorite actors, take some classes on expanding your technique, or throw yourself into situations/projects that allow you to evolve in the dramatic arena. When you try new methods, open your mind up to new solutions, and stay in tune with what's going on around you, you open yourself up to positive change. There is no such thing as perfection in the real world or in the acting world, so as long as your goals are in alignment with personal growth, embracing new experiences, and playing to your strengths, you’re in a great place.
2. They understand the healthy, productive mindset and know how to get in the zone. For example, a big reason why athletes can often make a smooth transition into acting is because they respect the process. Athletes understand the benefit and the absolute necessity of training. They know that muscles will lose their power and purpose if not routinely exercised, and this also applies to creative ability. Adopting a healthy diet, consciously and routinely studying performance by watching a diverse range of TV and film, and maintaining mental clarity (meditation, self-scheduling, therapy, exercise, etc.) are all crucial for your success. Practice conscious productivity and your actions will never lead you astray.
3. They know the art of non-attachment. Not necessarily detachment—it’s just remaining hyper-aware of where you are in life, knowing how and when to calibrate. It’s not about what doesn’t work out for you; it’s about how you process the events in your career and knowing that you're on the right track regardless.
4. They have harnessed the power of positive thinking. Successful people see solutions to every problem, and they see every problem as an opportunity. When you believe in your talent and your ability to power through anything life throws at you, you begin to develop an internal sense of self-appreciation and invincibility. This isn’t a false sense though; your belief in yourself is setting you up for success. You’re not just believing in your capabilities as a person, you’re trusting that you can handle and rise above any circumstance. Positive things happen to positive people who are open to anything life throws their way.
5. They fully immerse themselves in every experience. A successful and working actor will happily welcome new rapports, new cultures, and remain open-minded. Being an actor is such an immersive experience as it is, so being an active listener and learner in everyday life is essentially the maintenance side of your career. In order to truly master your ability to absorb, translate, and act, your wheels need to be greased. Make sure you’re getting consistent practice! Go to the mall and do some people-watching. Grab some popcorn, head to the movie theater, and watch a couple films back to back to see how other actors do things. Spend some time in a city with which you’re unfamiliar. Staying on your toes and having an open mind gives you the opportunity to evolve and be ready for anything.
Ultimately, the key is mindfulness, self-awareness, and maintaining the right mindset. You’ll have all kinds of people helping to set you up for success—casting directors, managers, agents, friends—but you have to be your biggest champion. The only person who can really make or break you is you.
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The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
