6 TIPS FOR LIFE AS A DRAMA GRADUATE
Just another half page in the SPOTLIGHT A to Z of actors.
Graduating from drama school can be one of the most exciting yet daunting times in any actors life.
You’ve spent years in the confines of an institution, surrounded by mentors and constant support. Then suddenly, you find yourself alone in the big wide world. Just another half page in the SPOTLIGHT A to Z of actors.
While the prospect of finally being able to audition and hopefully land your dream jobs is irresistably tantalising, the harsh reality of floating around aimlessly in a kind of no-mans-land waiting for the phone to ring can hit like a cold Jacobean gauntlet to the face.
This great clip from SPOTLIGHT highlights 6 Helpful tips for: Starting Out Successfully as a Graduate
GIVE YOURSELF DAILY STRUCTURE
In a previous post we explored the vitally important Rule Of 3: SET GOALS – MAKE A PLAN – STICK TO IT. You need to realise what you want and get organised. Give yourself daily tasks so you feel proactive.
CHOOSE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DO YOUR CRAFT
In the early stages of your career, opportunities may be a little thin on the ground. While it is certainly true that saying no to jobs is one of the few controls we have on our career, when starting out it is definitely more beneficial to get out there and practice your craft, whether that be just by auditioning or in jobs that aren’t necessarily top of your wish list. As they say; Work Breeds Work.
BE PREPARED
This lends itself in two ways. Firstly, the opportunity you’ve been waiting for can come at a moments notice so make sure you are ready, make sure you’re acting skills are sharp (See points 2& 4). Secondly, this applies when you’ve got an audition, do not try and blag it, you must put in the work, learn your lines, study the material, and know your stuff.
GET TOGETHER AND WORK WITH FRIENDS
This goes back to point number two, you have to find ways to exercise that acting muscle. Get together with friends, read scenes, shoot scenes, get a piece of text and shoot a mock self tape…Whatever it takes.
DO IT YOUR WAY – DON’T TRY TO COPY OTHERS
As the great Harrison Ford said “As much as you may admire someone else…find your own way, find your own voice”
AND REMEMBER….IT’S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT.
Be patient. Have faith. Keep working and stay focused.
