What should actors do in these tough times?

Now that we have officially returned to LA, the ‘hub’ of our entertainment industry, the nation’s economy is hitting everyone and everything. At a function recently filled with industry professionals the talk was all about how slow things have been, the lack of auditions, etc.

What should an actor do, during these ‘lulls’ and peaks and valleys?

My advice,  get yourself in classes, and or  workshops, with reputable people that can keep you sharp in your craft. This is your ‘chosen career’ that you just have to be a part of or you can’t breathe. You will make it happen if you have to take a 2nd job, or have a garage sale. Whatever it takes to stay at the top of your game.

As an example, think of this.

If you ski, and are comfortable with your skill level, you go out all the time. But  then there are seasons with no snow, and your skis sit in the garage. You hold on to them…just because. Then, it snows.  You find yourself on the slope ( having not skied in a long time)  very stiff, and falling on simple maneuvers. Why? Because you didn’t stay sharp. You didn’t practice. You got rusty.

When my husband and I did castings in Florida, I used to tell my actors we could ‘smell fear’. Everyone would laugh, but it was the truth. We can tell when an actor walks in the room.  They were either  confident, and sure of their ability, or  nervous and rusty. The audition either went south or into the ‘Callback’ pile.

On looking at their resumes, and asking them a few simple questions, we would learn that their last professional training was years ago. To us, it meant they thought they were already perfect and didn’t need any more training.

Here in LA, all actors continue working with their coaches, and stay in monthly classes. Halle Barry still works with her coach before every meeting with a Director. And that’s why she has an  ‘Oscar’. She’s smart enough, and humbled enough to know you have to stay sharp and ahead of the competition.

But WHO do you train with? This is a very important question. There are numerous ‘acting classes’ out there, just wanting your money. There are the ‘actors R us ‘ chains, the wanna be actors who didn’t quite make it and now teach, and the casting people who will do a ‘come take my workshop and you’ll have a better chance of booking with me’ sales pitch. Be very aware of that. Casting Directors don’t book you. The producers and Director choose the actor.

My advice: look for someone that other actors have learned something from. You are all in this together. You want recommendations, comments, and their trust that they would return to that teacher/coach. That’s where you should start.

As this year is coming to a close, I wish all of you in this industry a wonderful New Year. This economy is only temporary. People still want to watch a great TV show and go to the movies. Don’t forget that. We are part of a great industry that has lasted thru a lot of hard times and is still going strong.