As an actor do you know how to sell yourself? Whether you’re a child actor, teen actor or adult actor you all have one thing in common; you need to know the roles that you are most likely to land so you can cater your marketing towards that to stop you wasting time and energy.
FAILURE
This is a word that doesn’t exist in my vocabulary, but all too often it is one that many actors associate themselves with. I didn’t get the role = failure, I wasn’t called to the casting = failure, my friends are all landing roles but I’m not = failure, so and so got the role and I’m a better actor than them, I must be a failure…. etc etc etc. I could go on all day. You know the things you associate yourself as being a failure with.
THE TRUTH
You are not a failure, no matter what your mind monkeys may tell you, you probably just need a little help in the right direction.
It can be hard being an actor on your own. Just because you didn’t land the role it doesn’t mean it was personal, just because you weren’t called in to audition doesn’t mean it was personal, just because you asked for feedback and didn’t get it, it doesn’t mean it is personal. It is however, feedback that something isn’t working.
HEALTHY THINKING
Many actors (myself included many years ago), think subjectively when it comes to dealing with rejection. I know this because I train actors every single week and a lot of my friends are actors. There is a common theme among all actors when it comes to not making progress and that theme is blaming themselves.
If you were able to shift that subjective thinking to objective thinking and use every no as a learning curve, which you reflect and move forward from, you would save yourself all that emotional turmoil and stress. Knowing what your casting type is, is a huge step in making progress in your career. Knowing your casting type will save you a lot of heartache, knowing your casting type will stop you thinking subjectively and mulling over why you didn’t land the role and knowing your casting type will get you clear and help you take the steps towards success.
What is your casting type?
1. Get comfortable with your looks
You need to get comfortable with your looks, ego removed, to discover what your casting type is. Ask others what you look like from your head shots e.g do you look like a bouncer, a teacher, a police officer, a thug etc. Knowing this will help you get clear on the roles you are most likely to be cast in and the TV shows/commercials/stage plays you will have more success applying for.
2. Know your playing age
Realistically what ages can you pass for? Ask someone who is noe emotionally attached to you, who won’t be afraid of telliing you the truth. This will narrow down the roles you CAN play and save you time so you only apply for the roles that are suitable for you.
3. Know where you fit into a production
It’s every actors dream to play the lead, but we can’t all play the lead. There’s a great saying “there are no small roles, only small actors” and that is so true. Get comfortable with where you are likely to fit into a production and use it to your advantage. Are you more likely to be the supporting role? Are you a character actor? Think Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham – Carter, Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis. These are all fantastic actors but all have their niche and all work.
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
Leonardo DiCaprio’s type is clearly laid out HERE
Johnny Depp & Helena Bonham – Carter’s type is laid out HERE
Share with your acting friends, it could be just the thing they need to read or let me know in the comments box below if it’s helped you. I love to connect with you.
Here’s to your success!
Don’t give up, just keep learning.
NEED MORE INSPIRATION & POWERFUL ACTING TIPS?
If you found these tips useful, you can grab yourself more tips completely FREE. Louise O’Leary is a professional actress, method acting coach and Artistic Director of StandBy Method Acting Studio. Her mission is to help as many actors as she can achieve their acting dreams and become the best actor they can be. Join the hundreds of actors around the world who have downloaded her eBook “Respect your craft, discover my top 45 method acting secrets to launch your career“. Download here and be on your way to acting success today!
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