“This Business Is No Joke!”

Sep 5

The Real Nitty Gritty!

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

Hello and welcome to another episode of An Actor's Journey!

In my previous episodes I shared with you my earlier years starting out as a background actor. That actually was my stepping stone to becoming an actor. In my very last episode I spoke about the moment I knew I truly wanted to be an actor. Now I want to share something even more important that you need to know.

But first, (for those who are reading this) I’m sitting here in my very authentic space. I have journals that I keep nearby and I'm listening to some music on Pandora radio. Misty Blues channel. No it doesn't get me into a sad state lol! It actually puts me in a very good mood. I listen to music when I'm ready to work. Whether I'm writing something, studying a script, or cleaning my house, I love Misty Blues!

I want to talk with you about the business of acting. So let's get really, really serious about it. You know what, this business is no joke and you really have to have some thick skin in order to be part of it. Yes, you have to have thick skin because you're going to have a lot of downs before you have your ups. And you’re going to have to have other things going on in your life besides this business as an actor, you know. For example just before the pandemic I thought things were picking up pretty good. In fact, there were several projects I could’ve possibly been working on and then the pandemic happened. It took away all those projects. Not only did it take away those projects but it took away my health insurance. I no longer had those jobs I thought I was going to get.

Then we sort of got through the pandemic and here we are in 2022. I was very hopeful.

In fact I had a project that would allow me to work an entire month as an actress and, which I felt, would get my insurance back. Well you know as things would happen in this industry, I changed my life around for it. I canceled a lot of appointments. And then, the bottom fell out. That project was no longer available. I could have allowed something like that to derail me. Instead, I said, “Ok. Alright then. Let's move on... what's next.” I continued to audition. I continued to receive avail checks that didn't come through. I had an audition that I sent in and shortly after sending, received an email that that project was no longer available. That was money spent to tape an audition where there was no possibility for it at all.

I've had quite a few things happen from January ‘til July. A lot of things that could have set me back. I wondered if this was what I should be doing or even in the right space for it. But I always came back and said, “Of course this is what I should be doing!”. This is just the nature of the business or as they say the nature of the beast. You have to get used to these ups and downs. You have to get used to the disappointments and not take them so seriously. You just can't because it will mess you mentally (and, I might add, emotionally). You have to be very mentally strong to be in this business. And when those bookings happen, for a moment, you forget about all that other stuff.

I'm going to be very transparent with you. I've had from January up until now ...the end of July, 49 auditions. And out of those 49 auditions, only 2 bookings. How about that! When I started out in this industry, I was told from the very beginning by my agent or casting director, that you will go through 100 auditions before you even book one job.

So I guess I'm pretty lucky because I haven't even gone through 50 and I booked two jobs lol! However I did have those moments where I would go through lots and lots of auditions.

I'm very fortunate that I've been able to audition as much as I've had. I'm totally grateful. What that means for me and what it means for YOU, is that YOU’RE still in the running. Casting directors are still interested and this is why YOU continue to receive those auditions. This is why I continue to receive those auditions and this is why I continue to be very OPTIMISTIC.

I may have some lows but those highs are coming!!

Make sure you have other things going on in your life that bring you JOY.

For me it's always my grandkids. My acting business fills my inner spirit, my desire to tell a story. But my grandchildren give me the grounding that I need as a human being to continue doing what I do.

So if acting’s in your gut...you walk away from it and it comes back to you, then this is where you should be. Just understand that it’s not going to be easy. And the good stuff does happen.

I'm looking for more wonderful opportunities to come my way as an actress and I will continue to live my life outside of that as an actress in a wonderful and beautiful way! I want the same for you!

As always you can watch all episodes of An Actors Journey here and on YouTube or listen on Spotify!

And if you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter “Sherry’s Shoutout”, where you will be first to know what I’m up to, and resources that may benefit you!

Until we meet again!

Sherry

(this transcript has been edited from it’s original video version)

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