7 Rules to The Mental Game of Acting

Once you've become a skilled actor, things should take off, right? You should start booking because you're the best? Not always. In an industry with many talented, trained, professional actors, having the right mental strategy is everything to playing the long game of acting.

#1 - The best actor doesn't always book the role.

There are so many factors outside of our control that will decide who books the role. Production has many decisions to make between creating their full cast of characters, to expenses, special skills requirements, reasons we can't control as actors. Do the best audition you can, then walk away.

#2 - It takes time and practice.

With so many actors all vying for the same role, you're going to need to have patience, and to also keep working on your craft, forever. This isn't a skill or craft that you can put down and not pick up again until you're on a set. It takes consistent practice to maintain our art.

#3 - Audition for every job. It's what we do.

Unless you know a producer in the project, you're going to need to audition for every project. It's our job. Every audition is a win. When you get that audition, have fun and play!

#4 - Play the long game.

Even when you feel like you're succeeding, the industry has a way of making us climb it repeatedly. The long game is knowing that success can happen in big and small ways. The longer you're in this industry, the more people you will know and the better reputation you can create. Stay focused.

#5 - Highs and lows are part of your growth.

Our craft is filled with emotional highs and lows. When we're on a set, we're at our peak. When we get home and know we've gotta get back into the grind of auditions, we can start to set low. But realize that each high and low is a lesson and you'll get stronger each time.

#6 - Don't rely on acting to pay the bills.

Making money as an artist has always been difficult. We're in a subjective field. Just because you booked work today doesn't mean work is coming tomorrow. So make sure you have another source of consistent income to pay for food, shelter, and your acting expenses. Being broke is one of the first steps into quitting. Make sure you're financially healthy.

#7 - Don't compare your career to anyone else's.

No two careers will ever be the same. Our journey is individual. No matter how similar in look, style or personality, you can't compare your career to someone else. When you do find someone you admire, ask to collaborate with them. We all become stronger when we bring talented people together.

All in all, having a healthy mental strategy is vital to working in this industry. Know what's important, how the industry works for actors and have the right expectations. That's the key to lasting in this business.

Break a leg!