Post written by Dharini Woollcombe.
How to Stop Waiting:
- Identify feeling unsatisfied, helpless, frustrated, and that nothing seems to be happening.
- Make a list of things you could do such as - administrative tasks, physical activities, artistic projects, and acting, voice or movement practice.
- Pick one thing and DO IT!
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Waiting sucks.
It does.
It leaves you in a kind of limbo. The only way for the situation to change is if someone shows up or something comes along.
You’re up on a wall with no way down. You feel helpless.
Sound familiar?
This is a situation in which we actors put ourselves, way too often.
So I ask you…why wait?
You heard me: why wait?
You do have a choice here. Really.
You can wait for that phone call from your agent, or you could call your agent and tell them about the acting class you’re taking.
You can wait for a job to appear, or you could get together with friends and read a play aloud.
You can watch re-runs on TV, or you could rent that classic movie you’ve never gotten around to seeing.
You can hang out with a friend in a diner, or you could check out an art gallery together.
You can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you could hunt around for a new monologue or a great book on acting.
You can look at gossip magazines, or you could go to the gym.
You can track your friends’ careers, or you could work on your demo and introductory letter.
You can complain about the industry, or you could get involved with your union.
You can feel sad, or you could write a poem.
You can pig out on junk food, or you could take a walk.
You can sit on the couch, or you could drop in to a dance class.
You can hang out on YouTube, or you could email a teacher or friend for advice.
You can do absolutely nothing, or you could do something.
You see? The choices are endless.
And who cares why you’re being lethargic, apathetic, lazy or whatever you want to call it. The point is you can change the situation with minimal effort. Your Actor Self might be whining about being useless or untalented and “what’s the point”, but it is your job to take charge and lead your Actor Self into action. It is your responsibility to find the confidence that our directors and producers are looking for. It is up to you to give that Actor Self something to feel good about. We are creators and we feel good when we create. So create your life by doing something with it.
You’ve only got one life. It’s all yours. What are you waiting for?
Do one thing. Do it now.
Get over yourself and take action.
Before you run off to do errands, or go to your joe-job, do one thing for your Actor Self, and stop waiting.
Because not waiting, doesn’t suck.
Besides which, you might actually get out and see people, experience something, open your mind, find your confidence or even…wait for it…. enjoy life in some small way. Can you imagine that? – An actor enjoying life outside of acting and not drowning in the depths of depression?
What a concept, I know. But it is possible. All you need is the wish to feel good, the desire to feel stimulated, and the yearning to be in control of your own life.
The action of choice will change your life.
So stop waiting and go do something already!