6 Useful Tips for Hacking Past The Acting Struggle!

Photo: Variety Magazine;  Elsa Keslassy

When it comes to acting, those big dreams are likely to take you to great heights but it's still important to keep your feet firmly rooted on the ground. I'm sure so many people agree that you've got the talent and the drive to make it as far as you desire to go, but it doesn't mean the road won't get rough. You'll have dry spells. You won't get the part 3, 4, 5 times in a row. You'll get discouraged and wonder if you've got what it takes and you know what? You can't let yourself drown in the self doubt. You've got to be ready for the fearful thoughts that come your way. You need to know how to keep charge of your path even when it doesn't go according to plan. How, you ask? I'm so glad you asked. Because over here at the New York Acting School for Film and Television, we know what holding to the course is all about and there are a few things we've learned along the way to help us keep stride. 

Remember your WHY: The first thing you need to do - as a preemptive way to keep your head straight - is tor remember why you do what you do in the first place. Remember what your dreams are and what you love about this art. I'd recommend having a "This is My Why" sort of manifesto printed on your wall at your desk or wherever you might see it most. Just don't forget to read it! 

Keep getting BETTER: 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.

Manage your MONEY: The beginning of an acting career isn’t usually a lucrative one 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. Just don't put yourself in a hole trying to make ends meet. Another idea for flexibility sake is to hustle a skill of yours online. Go in business for yourself and there won't be an income cap or a schedule to keep. Do your thing on your time, without stressing about the finances along the way. 

Stubbornly find 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.

Have other HOBBIES: You don't want to get burned out on what you love, so make sure there are other fun things filling your 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. 

RELAX: Lastly, the best thing to beat the stress is to do whatever it takes 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!