Build Confidence Through Practice
Periods of unemployment can lead to a loss of confidence in our abilities as an actor – the belief that we can do it and that we are worthy of a place, gradually shrink away. This can create the cruel situation of not being in the right frame of mind to take opportunities when they do eventually come along. A downward spiral ensues as well as an exit from acting altogether in some cases.
However, sustained practice of craft will maintain confidence and even re-build it if that’s necessary. Get hold of scripts that you are passionate about, that you’d love to do. Then work on them and go through your process as you would on an actual production. Study the scripts, memorise the lines for the part you want to do, and practice doing the scene (or monologue) out loud. Set practice objectives and each time you accomplish an objective, your confidence will receive a boost. Despite the grind of poverty and unemployment, by practicing on material which excites you, you’ll remind yourself of why you fell in love with acting in the first place, you’ll remind yourself of the strength of your abilities and you’ll keep your skills sharp. The knock on effect is that you’ll be in the right frame of mind to keep building your career, you won’t fall away as so many do. It’s crucial however, that this practice is done with intensity and commitment, otherwise you will not enjoy the full benefit of it.*
*I am absolutely NOT talking about going to acting classes here. This is about doing it purely for yourself in a situation you control. It’s not about pleasing other people. This practice is for you, it’s not about other people making money off you, it’s not about trying to please others or working on material somebody has given you. Create practice only for yourself.
