We Get To Do This!

Miss Jane, an education colleague of mine, is always swift to remind performing arts educators and directors that, “we get to do this,” when they are having a tough day. I asked our Expert Panel to brainstorm on a topic they wanted to be honest about based on their past year of work in the regional theatre world. Lindsay chose to focus on appreciating the opportunities you are given as an actor. Enjoy this week’s HonesThespian post.     – Matthew Belopavlovich

Hello! My name is Lindsay Nantz and I’ve had the pleasure of working consistently as an actor since graduating college in 2010. I graduated with a B.S. in Music Education, so I’m very grateful for every opportunity given to me as an actor. When you are hired by a company, they are putting their faith and trust in you to bring a specific character to life. It is our job to understand what the director wants while also putting our own spin on it. I’ve worked with a lot of actors lately who don’t seem to appreciate the opportunities they have been given. We are basically paid to play dress up and step into someone else’s life for a few hours, so we shouldn’t complain. Some don’t like the experience at the theater, others hate the material (I have been guilty of this), but it is our job to overcome and find the joy.               

If you don’t like the experience with a particular theatre company, I get it. Every theatre company has its quirks and some just aren’t a good fit for certain personalities. However, when you are having a rough day, just think of all the actors that wanted your job. Find the joy in other cast members and the material. If by the end of the contract you’re still so disappointed with the experience, guess what? You don’t have to audition for that company again. Regardless of your choice, DO NOT let anyone on the staff of the theatre company hear any of your true (negative) thoughts about their product or business. Theatre reps and directors love to talk to each other to find out about actors. I had one casting director tell me that when he calls his fellow theatre folk to ask about a particular actor, he asks, “do they play well with others?” So, just know that even if you aren’t having the best experience you still need to play well with others, so you don’t burn any future bridges.

As far as not liking the material goes, we have ALL been guilty of this. It’s hard connecting to a show you don’t like or understand, but find the joy somehow. You’ll end up liking some things about the material and truly live in those moments. Laugh openly (obviously if it’s a serious piece don’t do this), play off the energy of fellow actors, and have fun in those moments. Remember the script was written for a reason and it’s your job to give it new life for an audience. Next time you are on a contract that you aren’t so sure about, I encourage you to find the joy. Cherish the time with your fellow actors and learn from them. Find your favorite moment in the show to sing or dance and live your best life. Just remember, you are so lucky.