When you just start your acting career and begin to navigate the unknown maze that is your options for acquiring skills as an actor, you really need all the encouragement and support you can get. This, of course, applies to your friends and family foremost because they are your trusted loved ones who are supposed to have your back no matter what. Right? Not always.
It’s very difficult to have to put yourself out there for scrutiny on a daily basis—especially when you are new to the process—and not having your support group to call on when feeling beaten up by a casting director or acting teacher.
It’s not always your family and friends conscious effort to derail your confidence. More often than not it’s simply their lack of knowledge on the entertainment Industry as a whole, so they are fearful of what it is, does, and the outcome for you.
If you feel as though everyone you know is negative and just plain doesn’t “get it,” then take a moment and see your choice to become an actor from your family and friends’ perspectives. When you were having your epiphany that your career in life would be to become a thespian, your family probably had other aspirations for you. An attorney, a doctor, an accountant, or another mainstream occupation is more acceptable than what they perceive a struggling artist’s life to be, schlepping from audition to audition unpaid and having to attend astronomically priced classes in order to hone your skill set. Your girlfriend or boyfriend probably sees your decision to be without the proper consideration for your collective future together. And who is going to be financially responsible for your future children without a stable job on which to rely?
It is a challenge to deal with—no doubt about that.
Even under the most perfect conditions, the life of an actor is, at times, seemingly perilous in one way or another.
One of the best ways to deal with possible negativity and naysaying from your family is to try and understand that they really do have your best interests at heart, and their intentions are good. Yes, it doesn’t exactly translate properly so that you feel emotionally validated and loved unconditionally no matter what but hear me out.
When your parents or significant other responds to you with anything other than, “Don’t worry. You’ll book the next role,” or “Hey, can I help in any way for your next audition?” simply display that you’re being responsible and earning a living doing something while pursuing your acting career. Don’t flake on scheduled time with them and be supportive of their career and interests.
Be transparent and let them know how hard you are working at being the best actor you can be and not just hanging out at Starbucks waiting for that call from Steven Spielberg.
If they do see that you are completely immersed in this career and are busy with every opportunity in moving forward then that shows you are to be taken at your word and they should see your commitment to your craft.
Whatever the outcome of your specific relationships, always think positively and embrace the challenges and adventures as you navigate your way as an actor. This is a truly exciting and invigorating career experience.
Consider yourself fortunate to have been bitten by the acting bug. Always remember that these characters express themselves and can change audiences in ways they otherwise would not have imagined. You can be a part of evoking emotion from strangers as they sit in front of their TVs or in an audience by making them cry, laugh, get angry, and be entertained. You can make them forget everything for just a moment. Now that is worth more than you know.
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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.
