‘What if I am a terrible actress?” – GUEST BLOG by MARIETTA SEILER
Self doubt is part of what it is to be human.
No matter what’s going on in life there will always be moments, be they fleeting or prolonged, where one questions their own ability. You may have just become a parent for the first time, have just started in a new job, or be in the early stages of a relationship. All provide the perfect conditions for that little voice inside your head to make an unwelcome appearance.
Being an Actor certainly falls into this category. You are in a constant state of self criticism and personal evaluation. More so when you are just 16 and starting out on your journey as an actor, when you have yet to pit your skills against fellow peers in an audition scenario. How do you know if you’re any good? How do you know if a career in acting is the right path to take?
At 16 years of age, this wonderful GUEST BLOG by young Austrian actress MARIETTA SEILER explores just what it feels like to be in the middle of your own doubt.
What if I am a terrible actress? If I have NO talent?
‘Hi my name is Marietta and I am 16 years old. I wanna become actress since I can think. I don’t know why, but I was always a little bit scared to tell anyone. It is difficult for me, because what if I don’t do it? What if I am a terrible actress? If I have NO talent? Then everybody will say: hah, look at her, she really thought she was good enough.
I just acted in school by now. We have a theatre group. So many people told me that I am a good actress and that I have a great talent, but what do these people know? They don’t know much about good acting… So I don’t know whether I am good enough to let my dream become true. When I leave school I want to attend a special school for acting. Hopefully in America or England (I am from Austria).
I think every actor and actress had this problem that they just don’t know how to become an actor and whether they are good enough. I know, that was not a story. But… Yes it was. It was the story of my acting career by now. Hopefully it will improve.
Wish y’all the best, never stop acting.’
by MARIETTA SEILER
Dear Marietta,
Please please please do not give up. I have a feeling you won’t but it’s important to say. The feelings you’re describing are common to almost every single actor….even those who have a lot of success. In fact, I sometimes think it’s absolutely necessary to feel the way you describe. I’ve been in the business for almost 20 years and I still wonder if I’m any good…so do most of my friends. It’s normal! The only thing you need is what you described in the beginning. The quiet certain feeling that you are an actor. If you can decide that nothing will stop you…then nothing will. See you on stage or in front of the camera someday. Wishing you the very best of luck.