HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED
A popular casting director requested me to audition for a feature film, and the role that was opposite two very well-known actors. I decided to work with a self-taping coach for this particular role, but I forgot to communicate that this wasn't a character--it was an actual person. The film was biographical.
I submitted a read that was not authentic to that person. I was embarrassed by it. (I also learned to always trust my gut and communicate my research when paying for a self-taped session.)
What will you do if you ever feel embarrassed by a choice you make in front of casting directors or actors that you respect? Rejection sucks, but it's part of our lives as actors.
If you want to know how to be a confident actor, remember that everybody is human the next time you're nervous about an audition or if you ever get to read with a well-known actor! I'm going to let you into my brain today to share all of the crazy things I think about to remind me of this truth that I hope will give you more confidence in auditions.
EVERYBODY POOPS
Yea, I said it. Toilets are the great equalizer of man.
EVERYBODY HAS NOSE HAIRS
That's right, even the hottest celebrities have nose hairs. With the continual updates in HD cameras, SURELY a few have been spotted…
EVERYBODY FARTS
They might not talk about it, but they do.
EVERYBODY GETS BAD BREATH
Errrbody gets stanky mouth at some point, especially on set. Even those few magical unicorns that don't get stanky breath eat garlic at some point.
EVERYBODY PICKS THEIR BOOGERS
And rolls them into tiny tennis balls. What is it about driving a car that makes you want to pick your nose so badly?
One of the best ways to boost your confidence is to look and feel great in your own skin. Both are influenced by the foods and beverages you consume. Take your first steps with me, a Certified Nutrition Coach. Click here to start today for free.
5 CONFIDENCE EXERCISES FOR ACTORS
Now that you've (hopefully) had a good laugh, let's chat over a few practical confidence exercises you can use an an actor.
1. WEAR THAT OUTFIT
You have an outfit or pair of shoes that make you feel killer. You know you look good or feel good when you wear them. I have an amazing pair of boots that always get compliments. I will cry when their day comes. If it makes sense for me to wear them to an audition, I do! Who cares if you wear the same thing to most of your auditions?
2. START SELF-COACHING
This is a HUGE part of your actor's life that I bet you're missing. Essentially, you coach yourself using your name. Sounds crazy, right? It totally works. I first learned about this habit in Brendon Burchard's book High Performance Habits.
3. STRIKE A POWER POSE
This works for anyone. Look at photos of actors or models you admire until you find a pose you like. You'll feel it when it's the right one. Now strike that pose before you leave the house and again in the bathroom when you arrive at an audition or shoot. You may also consider using this pose during your read if it makes sense.
For example, standing with your hands on your hips is a great stance for staying "open" to your scene partner. I see so many actors on tv cross their arms during a scene, and I always scream, "Uncross your arms!" You're physically blocking yourself from emotionally receiving from your scene parter. You're literally "closing yourself off" from them, which is why we stand that way in life, but you can't do that when you're acting. It will emotionally kill the scene.
4. LISTEN TO THAT SONG
If you're not already using music to get yourself in the right mindset for an audition, start making your playlists today. Just remember that a casting director may ask you to take the scene somewhere totally different, and that's okay! At least show up fully engaged in the choices you prepared so you have something to start the scene.
5. BREATHE CORRECTLY
Your lungs are the size they are for a reason. When you breathe like you normally do, you're probably not filling them to capacity. Those shallow breaths are only enough to keep your vital organs functioning properly. When you fill your lungs to capacity, however, it sends that extra oxygen to your brain. That extra oxygen allows your brain to reason better. There's a great explanation of it in the book Emotional Intelligence if you get the chance to read it.
So when you have racing, insecure thoughts, breathe to fill your lungs to capacity. Your brain will better rationalize your situation and thoughts. You'll also have better breath support for your scene.
TAKE ACTION
Which of the five actions listed above will you start using? Comment and share.
Comments ()