1
00:00:00,650.90909090909 --> 00:00:23,822.624503085
Have you ever told someone you're an actor and their next question is, "Oh, what have you been in? Anything I know?" And then when you explain, things are a little quieter at the moment, then suddenly it's, "Oh, so you are not really acting?" But here's the thing.
2
00:00:24,34.815187375 --> 00:00:43,904.117676077
Does not having an active project mean you're no longer an actor? Today, I wanna talk about these quiet periods, the judgments that sometimes come with these, and how we can find a little more stability in the middle of it all.
3
00:00:44,877.117676077 --> 00:00:53,448.117676077
Because I think your identity as an actor doesn't disappear just because you are between projects.
4
00:01:48,797.98683488 --> 00:01:59,311.98683488
I remember having a conversations with people where I'd mention that I'm an actor, and quite often people get really excited.
5
00:01:59,406.98683488 --> 00:02:15,571.98683488
They're like, "Oh, amazing," "What have you been? Anything that I know?" And especially at times it can be a little awkward when it is like a little quieter period because reactions of other people and their questions.
6
00:02:15,993.76431983 --> 00:02:24,753.53807434
Anyway, I might say something like, "Well, at the moment things are a little quieter on acting front, and I don't have any active projects."
7
00:02:25,888.53807434 --> 00:02:29,71.53807434
And then suddenly, ooh, their response changes.
8
00:02:30,433.53807434 --> 00:02:45,623.53807434
And, uh, I remember someone once saying something along the lines, "Oh, so you are like a half actor or, like, uh, half-time," and I remember finding that Little funny actually.
9
00:02:46,197.53807434 --> 00:02:58,977.53807434
The very first time when I heard that, it was uncomfortable because I didn't quite have the confidence to deal with it or be confident in the quiet periods.
10
00:02:59,8.53807434 --> 00:03:01,272.53807434
But later on, I found it a little funny.
11
00:03:02,46.81104399 --> 00:03:13,324.81104399
And the reason being is just because I'm not working on a acting project right now, it doesn't mean that I'm no longer an actor.
12
00:03:13,514.81104399 --> 00:03:14,843.81104399
Like, of course not.
13
00:03:15,716.81104399 --> 00:03:25,464.81104399
But I think there's something interesting about how we sometimes measure what it means to be an actor, and how other people measure what it means to be an actor.
14
00:03:26,403.81104399 --> 00:03:32,454.81104399
Almost as though unless you're constantly working on something, you are not really doing it.
15
00:03:33,676.81104399 --> 00:03:46,528.81104399
And I can understand where that thinking comes from, because there was also a time when I also believed that to achieve something, you had to be fully in it 100%.
16
00:03:47,386.81104399 --> 00:03:55,349.81104399
And when I first experienced those gaps between acting projects, I wasn't, like, particularly comfortable with these.
17
00:03:56,471.81104399 --> 00:04:04,306.81104399
You know, you are applying, you're searching for opportunities, you're putting yourself forward, and sometimes there's just silence.
18
00:04:04,979.81104399 --> 00:04:11,469.81104399
And it can feel like you're doing so much without anything actually happening.
19
00:04:11,771.81104399 --> 00:04:33,250.81104399
And it's just very natural for us as human beings to see some sort of result at some point, right? Over time, something changed For me, having a steady corporate career alongside acting helped take some of that pressure away.
20
00:04:34,162.81104399 --> 00:04:44,431.81104399
And rather than seeing it as something that was taking me away from acting, I started seeing it how it could actually add to it.
21
00:04:45,210.81104399 --> 00:04:59,673.81104399
Like even in your other job environments, there's the opportunity to observe people, you have different personalities, different ways people behave, and they communicate.
22
00:05:00,209.81104399 --> 00:05:14,776.81104399
And as actors, isn't that part of what we do when we're exploring characters? So those quieter acting periods have also given me, I would say, opportunities to develop myself.
23
00:05:15,654.81104399 --> 00:05:32,521.81104399
Sometimes that's been dancing, sometimes stage combat, mindset courses, music composition, and to be honest, lately, I've also been, learning to give myself a little more breathing space, a little rest.
24
00:05:32,951.81104399 --> 00:05:48,192.81104399
So I have learned to start saying no to some extracurricular activities because not every quiet moment needs to be filled with something, and I think that's been a big part of finding my own balance.
25
00:05:49,181.62912726 --> 00:05:53,195.62912726
Know that projects don't define your identity.
26
00:05:53,548.96246059 --> 00:06:04,286.96246059
When we start measuring our identity only by what we are currently doing, we can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves.
27
00:06:04,336.96246059 --> 00:06:15,864.96246059
Statistics from the Actors' Trust, Spotlights and Shadows was reported that 81% of actors take on non-acting work to make ends meet.
28
00:06:16,583.96246059 --> 00:06:23,317.96246059
And I think that says something important about the reality of this profession, you know? There are the ups and downs.
29
00:06:23,369.96246059 --> 00:06:27,692.96246059
You have times when many projects are happening, and then you have gaps.
30
00:06:28,150.96246059 --> 00:06:41,601.20815614
If you're an actor and you are currently between projects, it doesn't make you any less of an actor For me, having something steady alongside acting has actually helped me to keep going.
31
00:06:42,393.20815614 --> 00:06:47,237.20815614
And Having another job doesn't mean that you've given up on acting.
32
00:06:48,240.65765034 --> 00:06:51,575.65765034
Another thing, recognize what you are already doing.
33
00:06:51,891.65765034 --> 00:06:56,928.65765034
let's say that have submitted certain number of applications.
34
00:06:56,987.65765034 --> 00:07:01,516.65765034
You might think that, "Oh, well, nothing has happened, and nobody has got back to me."
35
00:07:01,803.65765034 --> 00:07:04,294.65765034
But I would say here, hang on a moment."
36
00:07:04,944.65765034 --> 00:07:08,835.65765034
You've put yourself forward to opportunities.
37
00:07:08,982.32431701 --> 00:07:13,823.32431701
I think of it almost like advertising yourself as an actor.
38
00:07:14,33.31448564 --> 00:07:20,271.31448564
Like prepared application, submitted it, made available for consideration.
39
00:07:20,271.31448564 --> 00:07:23,447.31448564
And that is action that has been taken.
40
00:07:23,498.31448564 --> 00:07:44,59.99465175
And now whether somebody responds or whether turn out to be a right fit or whether getting the role, those parts aren't entirely in my hands, in your hands, right? One thing I've learned over time is not to keep, I call it a filing cabinet in my head of every role I've applied for.
41
00:07:44,147.99465175 --> 00:07:50,534.99465175
Once I've submitted my application, I try to let it go and focus on the next opportunity.
42
00:07:51,64.99465175 --> 00:08:02,447.99465175
And I've also been on the other side of applications through the creative work and also more often on the corporate work where there are lots of CVs to be reviewed.
43
00:08:02,719.16634259 --> 00:08:11,368.16634259
there is the desire to genuinely want to respond to everybody, but depending on circumstances, it isn't always possible.
44
00:08:11,885.16634259 --> 00:08:30,607.16634259
So by being on the other side, I've learned to have an understanding and not to automatically translate silence as something personal because it doesn't necessarily mean anything about my ability or my worth as an actor.
45
00:08:31,494.16634259 --> 00:08:37,2.16634259
And I think this is where emotional resilience becomes so important.
46
00:08:37,565.16634259 --> 00:08:48,34.16634259
It's not about never feeling disappointed, but it's about learning to move forward even when I don't have the answers, and you don't have all the answers.
47
00:08:48,726.16634259 --> 00:08:58,429.16634259
And the more we practice that, the more we can create a sense of steadiness within ourselves, even when the opportunities around us are uncertain.
48
00:08:58,831.23066269 --> 00:09:02,466.23066269
So learn to let go of what isn't in your control.
49
00:09:02,851.81424807 --> 00:09:05,436.81424807
Here's one small thing I would love you to try.
50
00:09:05,466.81424807 --> 00:09:21,556.81424807
The next time you find yourself thinking, "I'm not doing enough," or, "Nothing is happening with my acting," ask yourself, "What is the one thing I've already done to support my acting career?" Maybe you have submitted an application.
51
00:09:21,607.81424807 --> 00:09:23,546.81424807
Maybe you have practiced scene.
52
00:09:23,997.81424807 --> 00:09:35,857.81424807
Maybe you have developed a skill, or perhaps you gave yourself some much needed rest so you can come back with more energy, or maybe you started a project yourself.
53
00:09:35,997.81424807 --> 00:09:36,730.81424807
Wonderful.
54
00:09:37,192.81424807 --> 00:09:40,615.81424807
Just acknowledge that one thing that you do.
55
00:09:40,733.81424807 --> 00:09:52,152.81424807
And if you are already submitted an application, and find yourself constantly wondering whether someone will reply, remind yourself: ''I've put myself forward.
56
00:09:52,179.81424807 --> 00:09:53,835.81424807
I've done my part."
57
00:09:54,292.47862053 --> 00:09:58,477.47862053
And then bring your attention back to what you can do next.
58
00:09:58,477.47862053 --> 00:09:59,374.47862053
That's it.
59
00:09:59,508.47862053 --> 00:10:01,572.47862053
Just one small shift.
60
00:10:02,932.47862053 --> 00:10:13,79.47862053
So to wrap up coming back to the question, are you still an actor when you're not acting? Absolutely, you are still an actor, and don't feel less of it.
61
00:10:13,840.47862053 --> 00:10:18,178.47862053
No matter how other people judge, you are still an actor.
62
00:10:18,292.47862053 --> 00:10:21,808.47862053
Having a quiet period doesn't erase your identity.
63
00:10:21,820.47862053 --> 00:10:31,606.47862053
Having another job doesn't make you less of an actor, and not hearing back from an application doesn't mean you haven't made progress.
64
00:10:32,446.47862053 --> 00:10:43,23.47862053
I think sometimes we can become so focused on what's not happening that we forget to recognize what we are already doing.
65
00:10:43,150.82539276 --> 00:10:48,926.82539276
And perhaps finding stability isn't always about having everything around us figured out.
66
00:10:49,400.82539276 --> 00:10:56,702.82539276
Sometimes it's about learning to feel a little steadier within ourselves even when things are uncertain.
67
00:10:57,744.82539276 --> 00:11:03,327.82539276
And yeah, that's something we can keep practicing one small step at a time.
68
00:11:03,600.82539276 --> 00:11:08,299.82539276
Until next time, let's find steady ground together.
69
00:11:08,557.82539276 --> 00:11:10,71.82539276
Ciao, ciao for now.
00:00:00,650.90909090909 --> 00:00:23,822.624503085
Have you ever told someone you're an actor and their next question is, "Oh, what have you been in? Anything I know?" And then when you explain, things are a little quieter at the moment, then suddenly it's, "Oh, so you are not really acting?" But here's the thing.
2
00:00:24,34.815187375 --> 00:00:43,904.117676077
Does not having an active project mean you're no longer an actor? Today, I wanna talk about these quiet periods, the judgments that sometimes come with these, and how we can find a little more stability in the middle of it all.
3
00:00:44,877.117676077 --> 00:00:53,448.117676077
Because I think your identity as an actor doesn't disappear just because you are between projects.
4
00:01:48,797.98683488 --> 00:01:59,311.98683488
I remember having a conversations with people where I'd mention that I'm an actor, and quite often people get really excited.
5
00:01:59,406.98683488 --> 00:02:15,571.98683488
They're like, "Oh, amazing," "What have you been? Anything that I know?" And especially at times it can be a little awkward when it is like a little quieter period because reactions of other people and their questions.
6
00:02:15,993.76431983 --> 00:02:24,753.53807434
Anyway, I might say something like, "Well, at the moment things are a little quieter on acting front, and I don't have any active projects."
7
00:02:25,888.53807434 --> 00:02:29,71.53807434
And then suddenly, ooh, their response changes.
8
00:02:30,433.53807434 --> 00:02:45,623.53807434
And, uh, I remember someone once saying something along the lines, "Oh, so you are like a half actor or, like, uh, half-time," and I remember finding that Little funny actually.
9
00:02:46,197.53807434 --> 00:02:58,977.53807434
The very first time when I heard that, it was uncomfortable because I didn't quite have the confidence to deal with it or be confident in the quiet periods.
10
00:02:59,8.53807434 --> 00:03:01,272.53807434
But later on, I found it a little funny.
11
00:03:02,46.81104399 --> 00:03:13,324.81104399
And the reason being is just because I'm not working on a acting project right now, it doesn't mean that I'm no longer an actor.
12
00:03:13,514.81104399 --> 00:03:14,843.81104399
Like, of course not.
13
00:03:15,716.81104399 --> 00:03:25,464.81104399
But I think there's something interesting about how we sometimes measure what it means to be an actor, and how other people measure what it means to be an actor.
14
00:03:26,403.81104399 --> 00:03:32,454.81104399
Almost as though unless you're constantly working on something, you are not really doing it.
15
00:03:33,676.81104399 --> 00:03:46,528.81104399
And I can understand where that thinking comes from, because there was also a time when I also believed that to achieve something, you had to be fully in it 100%.
16
00:03:47,386.81104399 --> 00:03:55,349.81104399
And when I first experienced those gaps between acting projects, I wasn't, like, particularly comfortable with these.
17
00:03:56,471.81104399 --> 00:04:04,306.81104399
You know, you are applying, you're searching for opportunities, you're putting yourself forward, and sometimes there's just silence.
18
00:04:04,979.81104399 --> 00:04:11,469.81104399
And it can feel like you're doing so much without anything actually happening.
19
00:04:11,771.81104399 --> 00:04:33,250.81104399
And it's just very natural for us as human beings to see some sort of result at some point, right? Over time, something changed For me, having a steady corporate career alongside acting helped take some of that pressure away.
20
00:04:34,162.81104399 --> 00:04:44,431.81104399
And rather than seeing it as something that was taking me away from acting, I started seeing it how it could actually add to it.
21
00:04:45,210.81104399 --> 00:04:59,673.81104399
Like even in your other job environments, there's the opportunity to observe people, you have different personalities, different ways people behave, and they communicate.
22
00:05:00,209.81104399 --> 00:05:14,776.81104399
And as actors, isn't that part of what we do when we're exploring characters? So those quieter acting periods have also given me, I would say, opportunities to develop myself.
23
00:05:15,654.81104399 --> 00:05:32,521.81104399
Sometimes that's been dancing, sometimes stage combat, mindset courses, music composition, and to be honest, lately, I've also been, learning to give myself a little more breathing space, a little rest.
24
00:05:32,951.81104399 --> 00:05:48,192.81104399
So I have learned to start saying no to some extracurricular activities because not every quiet moment needs to be filled with something, and I think that's been a big part of finding my own balance.
25
00:05:49,181.62912726 --> 00:05:53,195.62912726
Know that projects don't define your identity.
26
00:05:53,548.96246059 --> 00:06:04,286.96246059
When we start measuring our identity only by what we are currently doing, we can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves.
27
00:06:04,336.96246059 --> 00:06:15,864.96246059
Statistics from the Actors' Trust, Spotlights and Shadows was reported that 81% of actors take on non-acting work to make ends meet.
28
00:06:16,583.96246059 --> 00:06:23,317.96246059
And I think that says something important about the reality of this profession, you know? There are the ups and downs.
29
00:06:23,369.96246059 --> 00:06:27,692.96246059
You have times when many projects are happening, and then you have gaps.
30
00:06:28,150.96246059 --> 00:06:41,601.20815614
If you're an actor and you are currently between projects, it doesn't make you any less of an actor For me, having something steady alongside acting has actually helped me to keep going.
31
00:06:42,393.20815614 --> 00:06:47,237.20815614
And Having another job doesn't mean that you've given up on acting.
32
00:06:48,240.65765034 --> 00:06:51,575.65765034
Another thing, recognize what you are already doing.
33
00:06:51,891.65765034 --> 00:06:56,928.65765034
let's say that have submitted certain number of applications.
34
00:06:56,987.65765034 --> 00:07:01,516.65765034
You might think that, "Oh, well, nothing has happened, and nobody has got back to me."
35
00:07:01,803.65765034 --> 00:07:04,294.65765034
But I would say here, hang on a moment."
36
00:07:04,944.65765034 --> 00:07:08,835.65765034
You've put yourself forward to opportunities.
37
00:07:08,982.32431701 --> 00:07:13,823.32431701
I think of it almost like advertising yourself as an actor.
38
00:07:14,33.31448564 --> 00:07:20,271.31448564
Like prepared application, submitted it, made available for consideration.
39
00:07:20,271.31448564 --> 00:07:23,447.31448564
And that is action that has been taken.
40
00:07:23,498.31448564 --> 00:07:44,59.99465175
And now whether somebody responds or whether turn out to be a right fit or whether getting the role, those parts aren't entirely in my hands, in your hands, right? One thing I've learned over time is not to keep, I call it a filing cabinet in my head of every role I've applied for.
41
00:07:44,147.99465175 --> 00:07:50,534.99465175
Once I've submitted my application, I try to let it go and focus on the next opportunity.
42
00:07:51,64.99465175 --> 00:08:02,447.99465175
And I've also been on the other side of applications through the creative work and also more often on the corporate work where there are lots of CVs to be reviewed.
43
00:08:02,719.16634259 --> 00:08:11,368.16634259
there is the desire to genuinely want to respond to everybody, but depending on circumstances, it isn't always possible.
44
00:08:11,885.16634259 --> 00:08:30,607.16634259
So by being on the other side, I've learned to have an understanding and not to automatically translate silence as something personal because it doesn't necessarily mean anything about my ability or my worth as an actor.
45
00:08:31,494.16634259 --> 00:08:37,2.16634259
And I think this is where emotional resilience becomes so important.
46
00:08:37,565.16634259 --> 00:08:48,34.16634259
It's not about never feeling disappointed, but it's about learning to move forward even when I don't have the answers, and you don't have all the answers.
47
00:08:48,726.16634259 --> 00:08:58,429.16634259
And the more we practice that, the more we can create a sense of steadiness within ourselves, even when the opportunities around us are uncertain.
48
00:08:58,831.23066269 --> 00:09:02,466.23066269
So learn to let go of what isn't in your control.
49
00:09:02,851.81424807 --> 00:09:05,436.81424807
Here's one small thing I would love you to try.
50
00:09:05,466.81424807 --> 00:09:21,556.81424807
The next time you find yourself thinking, "I'm not doing enough," or, "Nothing is happening with my acting," ask yourself, "What is the one thing I've already done to support my acting career?" Maybe you have submitted an application.
51
00:09:21,607.81424807 --> 00:09:23,546.81424807
Maybe you have practiced scene.
52
00:09:23,997.81424807 --> 00:09:35,857.81424807
Maybe you have developed a skill, or perhaps you gave yourself some much needed rest so you can come back with more energy, or maybe you started a project yourself.
53
00:09:35,997.81424807 --> 00:09:36,730.81424807
Wonderful.
54
00:09:37,192.81424807 --> 00:09:40,615.81424807
Just acknowledge that one thing that you do.
55
00:09:40,733.81424807 --> 00:09:52,152.81424807
And if you are already submitted an application, and find yourself constantly wondering whether someone will reply, remind yourself: ''I've put myself forward.
56
00:09:52,179.81424807 --> 00:09:53,835.81424807
I've done my part."
57
00:09:54,292.47862053 --> 00:09:58,477.47862053
And then bring your attention back to what you can do next.
58
00:09:58,477.47862053 --> 00:09:59,374.47862053
That's it.
59
00:09:59,508.47862053 --> 00:10:01,572.47862053
Just one small shift.
60
00:10:02,932.47862053 --> 00:10:13,79.47862053
So to wrap up coming back to the question, are you still an actor when you're not acting? Absolutely, you are still an actor, and don't feel less of it.
61
00:10:13,840.47862053 --> 00:10:18,178.47862053
No matter how other people judge, you are still an actor.
62
00:10:18,292.47862053 --> 00:10:21,808.47862053
Having a quiet period doesn't erase your identity.
63
00:10:21,820.47862053 --> 00:10:31,606.47862053
Having another job doesn't make you less of an actor, and not hearing back from an application doesn't mean you haven't made progress.
64
00:10:32,446.47862053 --> 00:10:43,23.47862053
I think sometimes we can become so focused on what's not happening that we forget to recognize what we are already doing.
65
00:10:43,150.82539276 --> 00:10:48,926.82539276
And perhaps finding stability isn't always about having everything around us figured out.
66
00:10:49,400.82539276 --> 00:10:56,702.82539276
Sometimes it's about learning to feel a little steadier within ourselves even when things are uncertain.
67
00:10:57,744.82539276 --> 00:11:03,327.82539276
And yeah, that's something we can keep practicing one small step at a time.
68
00:11:03,600.82539276 --> 00:11:08,299.82539276
Until next time, let's find steady ground together.
69
00:11:08,557.82539276 --> 00:11:10,71.82539276
Ciao, ciao for now.
