Don't Quit. 5 Action Tips for the "Unsuccessful" Actor

If your acting career is wearing you down, don't throw in the acting towel - you may just need a refreshing action plan!

Acting gets tiring. It's true. The red-carpet success isn't as common as most people think. Being a successful actor requires perseverance and dedication. But even that runs out. If you're tired and worn out and simply ready for things to change, I hear you. That's what we at the New York Acting School for Film and Television are here for. The biggest word of advice I can give to you, is that you can't waste your time being discouraged and beating yourself up for things not moving the way you want them to. To succeed in this field is an active climb. Active. You have to keep moving. 

So keep your chin up and remember these important tips for when you simply feel 'unsuccessful'.

This is your art.

Learning how to act is hard work. It seems simple to the outsiders but the truth is, it takes practice, and consistent learning. Of course, there are some people born with tremendous acting talent, but the majority of actors spend years in classes and in training. This isn’t a bad thing. Taking classes and participating in workshops, or studying in full-time drama/theatre programs, can help you fine-tune your existing skills and pick up new ones. You’ll learn from instructors, directors, and other actors. It’s also good to take on as many roles as you can, so audition for student films and community theatre.

Organize your finances.

Acting isn’t usually a lucrative career for most, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that balancing your books is on this list. Most acting jobs are in large (expensive) cities and if you don’t live in one already, the cost of living may be a shock. Do what you can to build a safety net: Get a loan, roommate, affordable apartment, part-time job—whatever you need to. Find a way to 

Never Stop Learning.

You've looked over your finances. Great. Now find a way to keep learning. Hire a coach or a mentor. This is not a journey to travel alone. Choosing help is the difference between wishing and wanting to creating and getting. You know what's important to you! Set priorities to create the dream you envision. 

Where there is a will, there is a way.

Most actors have to split their time between honing their craft, performing, working other jobs, and finding auditions. You won’t have a lot of time to be social. “To be in this business you really have to want it, commit to it, and work for it,” says actor Sarah Jean Hodkinson. “There’s going to be a lot of sacrifices.” Go to networking events, enroll in classes, hire a coach... do what it takes. Never stop learning.

Enjoy Life.

Like writing and other creative activities, acting benefits from having quality life experiences—for example, it’s easier to play a character that loses someone if you’ve been through something similar. This doesn’t mean that you should cause trouble just to feel what it’s like or have a story; it just means that you should try to embrace things when they happen and appreciate the lessons you're learning. 

It's time to get out of your own head. It's time to meet new people and do new things. Get registered for an acting class; you’ll gain new experiences and perspectives that you can apply to future roles.

From all of us at The New York Acting School, we salute to your success!