What could destroy my acting career?
When it comes to promoting oneself as an actor, having a distinct brand is essential. You put in a lot of effort into ensuring your headshot, portfolio, webpage, and social media channels are all clear representations of who you are. However, one item has the potential to undo all of your hard work.
It's all about your reputation!
Your reputation serves as your company's brand. A long and fruitful career is built on a reputation for hard effort, kindness, and excellence, among other qualities. You will, however, have less possibilities to work if you are seen to be tough to deal with, regardless of how phenomenally smart you are. A nasty, tough, or insane actor is the last thing anybody wants to be trapped on set or in practice with.
The good news is that you have full control of your reputation! Here are seven suggestions for making it a good one.
1. Be considerate to others. Always treat everyone with courtesy and respect throughout an audition. Not only did the creative crew participate, but so did the monitor, other performers, interns, and the secretary. Don't use derogatory language in the lift or the restroom, either. It's possible that the individual you didn't realize was in the room with you is viewing your casting later on. Today's helper might be next week's casting director if the stars align.
2. Be polite when dealing with others. Is it possible that your accompanist messed up the music? Keep in mind that everyone makes errors. Be courteous and express gratitude to them. Everybody in the room recognizes the value of compassion. If you're handed specific instructions on your reading, just make a note of them, and make the necessary adjustments. If you're still not sure, ask for an explanation. Be willing to adapt to new situations. No one wants to collaborate with an actor who refuses to follow instructions.
3. Demonstrate dependability. When you schedule an audition for 12:10 p.m., don't show up at 12:15 p.m. In addition, definitely do not audition if you are unable to work due to scheduling conflicts. Once you are hired for a position, you are required to be on time and well-prepared. If you're the actor who is always late and who is the last to memorize his or her lines, you're building a reputation as someone who is unprofessional and undependable.
4. Maintain a professional demeanour. No work is flawless, but you should be cautious about how you express your dissatisfaction. Don't express your dissatisfaction with co-workers on social media platforms. If you're performing at a union theatre and you see a breach, speak with your Actors' Equity deputy immediately. Consider your options before confronting someone with whom you're having an issue. The way you interact with a choreographer may prevent you from collaborating with the director, production manager, producer, or performers in the future, if you are not careful. Keep the question in mind: "Will my current attitude prevent me from getting employed in the future?"
5. Take a moment to reflect before you tweet, publish, or Instagram something! Despite how private you make your social media accounts; they are still public! Why? Since our "friends" have the ability to share, screenshot, and otherwise disseminate information if they do not agree with our point of view. These ten things you should never publish on social media might potentially have a negative impact on your online reputation.
6. Only share stuff that demonstrates you at your finest! The majority of your video content does not need to be uploaded to either YouTube or your website. Choose the clips that will help you maintain your stellar reputation as an actor. Videos of low quality should not be released to the public. It is important that agents or casting directors view you in your best light whether you are self-submitting or sending out mails.
7. Surround yourself with like-minded people! The wonderful adage by motivational speaker Jim Rohn, "You are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time," applies to your reputation as well as your physical appearance. If you catch yourself being pessimistic, take a step back and observe your surroundings. If the individuals you're associated with have a bad effect on you, you might want to seek for more good influences in your life.
You should not suppress your brand's macho/rebel/bad guy image in the audition room, online, or at practice, but you should be aware of where the line lies. Become the most successful version of yourself—the person with whom you would want to collaborate. To be edgy, gruff, snarky, and aggressive without coming off as obnoxious or harsh is achievable.
So, keep in mind that your reputation follows you and will last long after you have left! If you follow these seven steps, more people will want to collaborate with you.
