Let’s talk about SLOW SEASONS…as an actor
Hello Artistes!
Has anyone noticed the slow trickle of auditions? The voiceover ads are coming in twice a week and the tv auditions are coming in once a month. When was the last time you auditioned for a film?! It feels “slow” for actors right now. You know the crazy part about slow seasons? They happen to every actor. And every time they occur it is frustrating af. And…for some of us it turns on the “I need to fix it/myself to make it better monster.” Have you felt the urge to change your hair? Did you rearrange your furniture in your self tape area? Are you starting to check deadline to see who got the role you auditioned for three months ago?
Ya’ll, I am here to tell you that you need to embrace slow seasons because they aren’t going anywhere and (take a deep breath) they can be a gift!
Here is the DON’T LIST to weather the slow storm.
Don’t overthink it - slow seasons are not a time to quit. It’s not you - it’s less work available.
Don’t change your hair to book more work - change your hair because you want to.
Don’t stay quiet - email your agents and ask “Is there anything I can do with this slow time to help you? Do you need new headshots, is there a class you recommend I take? Any films/directors I should be aware of?”
Don’t hide - take your free time & pour into yourself! What’s that hobby you never had time for?
Don’t run yourself into the ground - NAP and REST! Pretend like you are in your dressing room before the show or in your trailer before you’re called to set and LUXURIATE in the extra time to be still. Go wild - meditate twice a day!
Don’t compare yourself - everyone experiences slow seasons in different ways. For some actors it’s only one series regular job (in three years.) For some actors it’s only one commercial (every year.) For some actors it’s five short films in one year (that are all payment deferred.) For some actors it’s no gigs (in the last few years.)
I want to gently remind you that YOUR JOURNEY IS UNIQUE! (sorry I could not say that gently even in written form.) No actor has the same path to “success” i.e. paying all their bills on time and getting to do it (mostly) as a performer.
Some actors are waiting on their first gig after so much time in class & auditioning their butts off. You are all worthy of getting the job. Sometimes it’s going to be a little slow though. So be kind to your instrument while you wait for the next big gig to land in your lap.
Sustainably and Artistically yours,
Chivonne Michelle
Founder & Teacher
