Doing These Things Are the Fastest Way to Destroy Your Acting Career

Maybe you already know this, but it’s actually really hard to make it in entertainment. Being booked to do a movie, TV spot, commercial or even land a spot on stage can be a real challenge. There’s so much competition, so much talent and so much of who-you-know mentality that if you have certain habits, mindsets or reputation, you’re sure to kill your chances all together. And if you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re trying not to fail and are looking to go far in your acting career.

A while back, we posted a similar list of “definite don’ts” and it got a really strong reply. Since it helped so many actors then, I figured it was time to share it again. So let’s go into it.

If you want to succeed in acting, make sure you never do the following:

Be unclear about your decision to be an actor:  You will need to get off the fence.  You need to be all in, 100% committed, clear eyed, determined and ready to be persistent, even indefatigable.  

Be unwilling to study:  This business is all about study.  You need to be a lifetime learner, curious about people, life, and the industry.  Studying scripts and context prior to auditions a must!

Lack self control or be impulsive:  Emotions are good on stage.  Not so good off stage.  Negative attitude, bad manners, anger issues, undisciplined mouth are all going to cost you work.

Abuse drugs or alcohol.  Everybody in the business boozes or uses, right.? Wrong, you are hurting your chances of success big time if you are a slave to anything other than your craft. Plus, it causes you to lose impulse control and judgement, leading you to accidentally or unconsciously do things that you might later regret. (Or might later ruin your career)

Be late all the time. Most casting directors figure that if you don't care enough to be on time for an audition, you don't care enough to be considered for the part.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Actually, acting is all about details.  You must have fantastic professional resume and head shot, show up dressed right, and ready to work. You need to pay attention to all the details from audition point, to script to people’s names.

Have confidence or inadequacy issues.  If you don't believe in yourself, how can you sell yourself, and why should anyone believe in you.

If you found yourself  fitting into one or more of the categories above, don’t lose all hope. Everyone can change old habits and take on new ones that support their dreams if they want it badly enough. One of the best places to start is by hiring your personal acting coach or by taking some classes at the New York Acting School for Film and Television.  Call Now and talk to the director, Mark Stolzenberg, about enrolling.  (212) 877-2219