Together Wherever We Go!

Wherever we go, whatever we do,
we're gonna go through it together.
We may not go far, but sure as a star,
wherever we are, it's together.*

This business is tough! There are days when we want to give up and there are times when we get in our own way.

• Do you have a list of things you need to do but somehow always manage to put them off?
• Are you waiting for that certain piece of footage before you finish your reel?
• Do you skip auditions because you are waiting for that perfect monologue?
• Do your friends seem to be having more success than you?
• Are you stuck in a rut?

Sometimes things come in threes when one thing is not enough to get through to us! Monday was that day for me.

Ah, Facebook is my first port of call in the morning.  And I saw the wonderful Heidi Marshall's blog about how we cope with these difficult times. I admire Heidi so much and she always seems so positive so it was comforting to read about her struggling too. In tough times, she uses crayons! 

And then this leapt out at me too. On Facebook, of course! Maybe I'll read a book again one day soon but I'm so busy reading all these online gems and playing Candy Crush.

"People's lives are a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer group. If your peer group doesn't expect much, it's just a matter of time before you lower your expectations of yourself." Anthony Robbins

And then, best of all, I left my tiny apartment and met my good friend and fellow actress, Fiona Graham. We ate a diner breakfast and talked and talked and laughed and put the world to rights. Obviously, we talk about acting and the business because we have that (amongst other things) in common. We were commiserating on how tough it can be and something really struck me about what Fiona said: "We have to be fierce warriors. We have to be so strong and able to take blow after blow. But we are also so sensitive and vulnerable."

YES, that's it. And, for my two cents, the actors who are not sensitive and vulnerable, are not the ones I like to watch!

Through thick and through thin,
all out or all in.
And whether it's win, place or show.
With you for me and me for you,
we'll muddle through whatever we do.
Together, wherever we go.
Wherever we go, whatever we do,
we're gonna go through it together.*

Obviously, we cannot physically go everywhere together (although at some of these EPAs it is great to have a friend to sit and laugh with during the interminable waiting and deal with all the other girls in the same teal dress and nude pumps).

We need a support network, though. I have good friends and a brilliant family but that is not always enough. Talking to people who are going through what you are going through is what matters. A friend recently told me that she loved seeing me because it was so much FUN but it was also PRODUCTIVE. 

I have started accountability groups with The Actor's Friend.  A safe place where I can be kind and supportive but am also known for giving you the kick that you might need! 

Wherever I go I know he goes.
Wherever I go I know she goes.
No fits, no fights, no feuds
and no egos, Amigos, together!

Though business is lousy and slow.
With Herbie's vim, Louise's verve,
Now all we need is someone with nerve.Together, wherever,
Together, wherever we go!*

I may not have people called Herbie and Louise in my classes yet, but I can hope.  And I think you ALL have NERVE!  All we need is a little support to use it in the right way.

Join a supportive group of like-minded actors and be a super trouper!



*"Together Wherever We Go" from "Gypsy"
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

www.theactorsfriend.com

...roll along, following dreams.

First posted by Polly McKie on Friday, March 29, 2013 

Yesterday is done.

Now there isn’t much pretty countryside on the travels of an auditioning actor pounding the New York pavements.  But traveling’s the fun!  Isn’t it?

As promised in my previous post (Merrily We Roll Along), I returned for day 3 of the E.P.A.  (Equity Principal Audition). I rose earlier, I joined the bizarre snaking line of fellow actors.  Spotted some familiar faces and waited.  And waited. Signed my name. And waited.  I had to leave so, as ever, used the wonder of Audition Update to check how things were going. Now this monitor was on the ball. And friendly.  And helpful.  She managed to get through ten E.M.C.s (Equity Membership Candidates) before lunch. Already the chances of being seen were higher than the day before.  Hope was high.  Number 11 and 12 were smiling and laughing.  We reminisced about yesterday, discussed our odds as if there were any rhyme or reason to this crazy business.

The afternoon was lovely.  My friend, Rosie Cosch who had been at another E.P.A. joined me.  Time passed quickly and happily. But, here’s the problem.  The time was passing but no more E.M.C.s were being called.  The monitor remained efficient and positive but those Equity members were coming in in dribs and drabs and taking alternate slots and we were once again, losing hope as 5 o’clock rolled around. By 5.30p.m., the monitor called it.  ”I’m so sorry, E.M.C.s won’t be seen.” It feels like she is pronouncing the time of death.  One little non equity girl who has been sitting since 7a.m. dressed and ready to impress, smiles sweetly and changes into her leggings and  picks up her rolling suitcase and begins her trek back to New Jersey.  I curse and say to my friend “Let’s go for a drink!”.