As you can tell from the title, Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actors. I admire her ability to craft characters and master any dialect. But above all, I admire her confidence. There is a great image circulating the internet currently of Meryl on her way home from an audition when she was younger. She had just been told that she was too “ugly” for the role. Instead of taking offense and getting angry, she simply replied with,” I'm sorry you think I'm too ugly for your film but you're just one opinion in a sea of thousands and I'm off to find a kinder tide.” I think that is brilliant. Why? Because the world is made up of millions of different opinions, tastes, likes, dislikes, and preferences. You cannot please everyone. This has been a hard lesson learned for me. I used to try to please everyone around me. Everyone strives to be liked. If someone happens to dislike you, often you think it's your fault. But most likely it's not!
Now, what does this have to do with acting? Everything. As an actor I have voluntarily put myself in a position to be judged by anyone who sees me work. This used to be terrifying. But now, it's not. Why? Because I learned to let my work speak for itself. I am so passionate about what I do that I don't plan to let one persons opinion stand in the way. Just like Meryl. Hearing peoples opinions is one thing, letting them consume you is another. So, keep a level head and move forward. So follow Meryl's example, and nineteen Academy Award nominations may be in your future.
Sophie Foti will play the Sensible sister, Elinor, in the February 2016 show Sense and Sensibility, directed by Brenda Hubbard. Don't miss it!
Now, what does this have to do with acting? Everything. As an actor I have voluntarily put myself in a position to be judged by anyone who sees me work. This used to be terrifying. But now, it's not. Why? Because I learned to let my work speak for itself. I am so passionate about what I do that I don't plan to let one persons opinion stand in the way. Just like Meryl. Hearing peoples opinions is one thing, letting them consume you is another. So, keep a level head and move forward. So follow Meryl's example, and nineteen Academy Award nominations may be in your future.
Sophie Foti will play the Sensible sister, Elinor, in the February 2016 show Sense and Sensibility, directed by Brenda Hubbard. Don't miss it!