Opportunity has a way of sneaking up on you. Just ask Kamala Israfilova, who embraces each new experience with gusto.
Don’t shy away from the unexpected.
“[For a recent project,] the audition process was very interesting. We were asked to talk about ourselves, sing, and do impressions of certain well-known characters. I was asked to do an impression of Queen Elizabeth II, which was completely unexpected.”
Practice your craft wherever you can.
“Whatever projects I book, I always make sure to be at my best, so the people I work with want to work with me again…. An audition is also an opportunity to act. And for someone who likes to experience different roles and meet new people, Backstage is just the place to be.”
Pinpoint your motivation.
“Whenever a role speaks to me, even if it’s something completely different from what I’m used to, I always want to try it. It usually results in discovering new sides of myself, which is one of the reasons I’m even acting at all.”
Don’t stand in your own way.
“Submit yourself to roles you have even the smallest interest in. Even if you don’t think you fit the type, let others decide that. Don’t be the one limiting you. There are so many examples out there of actors who were cast for roles they initially thought they weren’t right for.”
Work harder—but also, work smarter.
“Every role, every audition you’re doing right now, is your most important. Aside from working hard, also remember to work smart. Make a decision and act fast. Have a plan, but also be flexible enough to adjust to new circumstances.”
To see your success story in print, tweet @Backstage using the hashtag #IGotCast.
This story originally appeared in the May 14 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
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