In today's culture, the barrier to make your voice heard is at zero. Literally. Anyone with internet access can make their voice heard.
But as actors, it's so easy to get caught in the mindset that I must wait for permission to act. That is, I have to wait for an agent to sign me... or I have to wait for the Casting Director to request me... then I have to wait for producers to "like" me... and ultimately I wait for that deal memo that will tell me I have permission to be on set.
Yes, there is a system in place. But if your creative soul is burning because you aren't being given opportunities to act or perform, then CREATE THEM!
Here are some ways:
• Submit for the 48Hr film festival if you live near a city that hosts this challenge
• Gather some actor friends and download some scripts to practice (and film!)
• Become a busker (street performer)!
• Take a stand-up class that has a graduation show
• Take an improv class that has a grad show
• WRITE YOUR OWN MATERIAL!
To that last idea, I want to share what my wife and I have been doing this year. We made a promise to ourselves that we would stop waiting for permission, and instead create an entire sketch comedy show and put it on YouTube!
We're now writing, shooting, and editing 20min of clean, clever comedy every month. We just premiered our 4th episode last night. It's a TON of work, but the process is so rewarding.
If you like to laugh, give it a look. And I hope that it also inspires you to take the wheel in your own career!
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Great advice, Matthew Cornwell! I remember an actress on Stage 32 wrote, produced, and acted in scenes so she could have material for her acting reel. I think that's a great idea! I'm looking forward to checking out The Brooke & Matt Show!
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This is very approps Matthew Cornwell We were just talking about this in the moderator lounge, about not waiting for permission to act. And here you are with a perfect example. I will definitely check it out. Thank you for sharing.
To you other point, I have done those things as well. I took scenes from plays/movies, rounded up local actors, another acquaintance who wanted to get into cinematography, shot them, another friend edited the footage into a reel for me. All actors got copies of their scenes as well. It was a win for everyone.
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That's great, Suzanne Bronson!