All artists have passion and a massive capacity for creativity. But… there are common issues that get in the way that have nothing to do with the work on stage. I have seen these issues distraught the actor so much that they can’t even think straight and they end up with a lackluster performance. And I am sure you have heard the phrase, “Leave your issues at the door before entering rehearsal or class.” But sometimes the burden of being an "adult" overcomes all sense in your head and then where do you go from there. Well, here is a list of the essential things an actor needs to do for their livelihood, sanity and putting your best foot forward so you get to create with a clear head and be at the top of your game.
1. Blogging/Website
Get yourself a website. They're free. Scout out your favorite and start uploading.Plus, get to blogging. You'll start creating a brand and presence that will only help get you noticed. For example; Sophie Foti (fellow ensemble member) had her latest post shared by Columbia Center of the Arts on their facebook page. She already has made a connection and all she did was write about what she is passionate about. It's worth it. Do it, people.
2. The Side Hustle
I have spent hours of my life on Pinterest investigating the best ways to make money without committing to certain hours. I could never go back to a job that works 9 to 5 because of this. And as an artist it’s important to have flexible hours. This research has led me to what fellow bloggers and work-at- homers call The Side Hustles. Side Hustles are ways to make your money that is usually not typical. When my husband and I moved to Portland, we had no jobs and I was starting school the following week. I did some research on Pinterest and found Rover. Rover is a dog sitting business that you can set up in your home or travel to others to take care of pets while their owners are away. It has been extremely lucrative for us. Here is a brief list of other Side Hustles to consider.
3. Find your Stress Reliever in TWO FORMS.
Stress is gonna happen in this high pace, competitive world that we have decided to throw ourselves into against all the odds. So find your stress reliever. And most importantly in two ways! One way is what people think of: video games, reading, working out, writing, etc. Most people already have that skillbut don't make time to do it. Add it into your schedule. Seriously, write in 'from 6 to 7 p.m. I will play Diablo 3 with my husband'.
The second part of the stress reliever of this is imperative for actors. Find a stress reliever you can do in a short amount of time. There will come a time where you'll be stressed and annoyed and you'll start to get impatient. This is the time to pull out your secret weapon. Mine has become coloring. I recently got an adult coloring book. So, I pull that puppy out and I feel my mind go to ease. Now, make sure you find something not distracting to others but I found that this exercise also helps me focus. In rehearsals, when I might be sitting around waiting for my scene but I can't talk, I color and let my mind wander about the character's world and their past events. Find your stress relievers and people will like you more. Trust me. Which leads me to my next point.
4. Get Some Outside Interests & Friends
Us, theater people, year round live in a cave, the theater, for most of the light and dark hours of the day. We find when we are not rehearsing or performing ourselves that we are going to other caves, theaters, and watching our friends' shows. The problem I find is that the actor gets limited. If you are constantly surround by what you know and people like you, how will you grow? Find interests and friends outside of what you know and you will discover that you become a more balanced individual. And this will result in people liking you. Which is good.
5. Make the Library your friend & learn how to research
And finally, get your Library card and make it your BFFAE (Best Friend Forever And Ever). A lot of actors say, they just don't know how to find monologues or scenes for themselves. Well, here is how I do it. Give it a try. I bet you'll come up with something.
Paige Rogers is playing the lively, hallooing Mrs. Jennings in Sense and Sensibility opening February 12.
1. Blogging/Website
Get yourself a website. They're free. Scout out your favorite and start uploading.Plus, get to blogging. You'll start creating a brand and presence that will only help get you noticed. For example; Sophie Foti (fellow ensemble member) had her latest post shared by Columbia Center of the Arts on their facebook page. She already has made a connection and all she did was write about what she is passionate about. It's worth it. Do it, people.
2. The Side Hustle
I have spent hours of my life on Pinterest investigating the best ways to make money without committing to certain hours. I could never go back to a job that works 9 to 5 because of this. And as an artist it’s important to have flexible hours. This research has led me to what fellow bloggers and work-at- homers call The Side Hustles. Side Hustles are ways to make your money that is usually not typical. When my husband and I moved to Portland, we had no jobs and I was starting school the following week. I did some research on Pinterest and found Rover. Rover is a dog sitting business that you can set up in your home or travel to others to take care of pets while their owners are away. It has been extremely lucrative for us. Here is a brief list of other Side Hustles to consider.
- Become an Uber/ Lyft Driver
- Rent out your stuff from your home (Airbnb) to a driveway or parking space (Just Park) to your car (Rely Rides) and many more!
- Freelance/ Blog Writer
- Surveys Online
- Virtual Assistant
- Brand Ambassador. You get paid to go to amazing events and make people happy while promoting a brand. This guy tells you all about it over at Budgets Are Sexy. A site I would also recommend you to peruse.
- Dog sitting/walking with Rover (Yes, people will pay you to walk their dogs).
3. Find your Stress Reliever in TWO FORMS.
Stress is gonna happen in this high pace, competitive world that we have decided to throw ourselves into against all the odds. So find your stress reliever. And most importantly in two ways! One way is what people think of: video games, reading, working out, writing, etc. Most people already have that skillbut don't make time to do it. Add it into your schedule. Seriously, write in 'from 6 to 7 p.m. I will play Diablo 3 with my husband'.
The second part of the stress reliever of this is imperative for actors. Find a stress reliever you can do in a short amount of time. There will come a time where you'll be stressed and annoyed and you'll start to get impatient. This is the time to pull out your secret weapon. Mine has become coloring. I recently got an adult coloring book. So, I pull that puppy out and I feel my mind go to ease. Now, make sure you find something not distracting to others but I found that this exercise also helps me focus. In rehearsals, when I might be sitting around waiting for my scene but I can't talk, I color and let my mind wander about the character's world and their past events. Find your stress relievers and people will like you more. Trust me. Which leads me to my next point.
4. Get Some Outside Interests & Friends
Us, theater people, year round live in a cave, the theater, for most of the light and dark hours of the day. We find when we are not rehearsing or performing ourselves that we are going to other caves, theaters, and watching our friends' shows. The problem I find is that the actor gets limited. If you are constantly surround by what you know and people like you, how will you grow? Find interests and friends outside of what you know and you will discover that you become a more balanced individual. And this will result in people liking you. Which is good.
5. Make the Library your friend & learn how to research
And finally, get your Library card and make it your BFFAE (Best Friend Forever And Ever). A lot of actors say, they just don't know how to find monologues or scenes for themselves. Well, here is how I do it. Give it a try. I bet you'll come up with something.
- I create a database. I do this in excel but good old paper and pen will do. I organize into four columns: Author, Play/Book, Notes, Check. In my Notes section, I write where I came across the play or book (like acting such as David Mamet's True or False). This can be from a recommendation from a teacher or from a program where I saw an actor I liked in a show so I wanted to look up that play in their bio or from a Grad Showcase that I went to. Then, I look up the name and play at the Multnomah County Library online. Seriously, this Library has an extensive theater section and rarely does it not have what I am looking for. So then in my Check section, I write if its at the Library so then I can put it on hold when I am ready for it.
- The best part of searching for a certain play at the Library is their suggestions for me based off my search. I will find anthologies from the same author with multiple of their plays and etc.
- I just picked up Marisol by Jose' Rivera from the Library. I saw a scene from it done in a Grad Showcase and had never heard of the show. I haven't read it yet but let's say I really like it. In the front or back of most scripts, Dramatist Play Service will have two to three pages of "New Plays" with the name of the play and playwright.These plays are similar to the one you just read, most of the time. I look up the summaries of the plays on the inter-web, see if I am interested and then put them into my database. You will quickly start accumulating a lot of plays you want to read and are actually interested in.
Paige Rogers is playing the lively, hallooing Mrs. Jennings in Sense and Sensibility opening February 12.