Ok, so August is here- already! Everybody and their dog is complaining that summer has come and gone so quickly! The truth is that there is still a solid 4 weeks before September really starts and things start getting really busy again.
If you are truly serious about your craft and your career, you will see summer as an opportunity to grow and not a chance to vacation. Take a long weekend or take a few days to sleep longer, tan, drink excessively or do what you gotta do to give yourself a vacation. But like it or not, 4 weeks from now castings are back in full force and you want to impress and show how you've grown over the summer- not how many new notches on your bedpost you have. So here are 5 things to do over the next 4 weeks to prepare you for the fall.
1. Exercise. Consistently.
Whether you need to drop 10 lbs, just tone up or even if your body is perfect, we all need about 60 minutes of exercise a day. Like it or not, what you look like counts for a lot in this industry. That goes for your weight and how your skin looks. Late nights drinking poolside and extra helpings of ice cream and frappucinos do nothing for either. More exercise improves your skin tone, helps you drop fat and will have you looking well rested and healthy. Don't wait for fall to start good habits. Besides how you look, exercise contributes to healthy sleep patterns, improved moods, improves circulation and does wonders for your esteem and sex drive. All these things are confidence builders and there is nothing better to walk into an audition with than stellar confidence.
2. Take an acting class
Summer is a great time to learn a new skill or technique. A lot of schools start back up in the fall however it makes for some pretty rusty Septembers. Try a weekend workshop, a voiceover class or if you'd like to learn the Meisner technique, I run classes continuously through the summer at the Robyn Kay Studio. There should never be too long a break from working on your craft.
3. Prepare your headshots and resumes
You must do these inane paperworking tasks a few times a year. Now is a great time for getting your ducks in a row. Need new headshots or more copies? Plan to get that done before August is through. Make sure you have a stack of headshots and resumes to take you through the new year. Update your resume, have thank you cards prepared for all the casting directors youll be seeing- its even a great time to start your own website or work on your reel once and for all. Take some time to do those things that we are often too busy for during the rest of the year.
4. Watch TV
Or read plays, or see live theatre or go to the movies. Know whats current. Figure out what kinds of roles move you. Figure out why you love some actors performances. Pinpoint what you hate about others. In order to excel in this business you need to be hip to what is current. Everyone needs to watch Breaking Bad if only because it is the most critically acclaimed television show to date and its all anyone can talk about. You need to develop cultural class and as an actor, that means having opinions on what is currently being talked about.
5. Wake up earlier with a plan in mind.
Whether you wake up at 9 am or 3 in the afternoon. Start waking up earlier. You have a lot to do. Don't just wake up early to enjoy your coffee longer or take a longer morning walk. Sit down and plan out your day. Figure out a few specific measurable goals for the day and get them done. Clean your desk or learn a new monologue or make some new contacts. Every day you should be accomplishing a few things that will take you to your ultimate goals. Taking actions, no matter how small, lead to increased confidence, motivation and hinder depression. They also help you accomplish your dreams.
If you are truly serious about your craft and your career, you will see summer as an opportunity to grow and not a chance to vacation. Take a long weekend or take a few days to sleep longer, tan, drink excessively or do what you gotta do to give yourself a vacation. But like it or not, 4 weeks from now castings are back in full force and you want to impress and show how you've grown over the summer- not how many new notches on your bedpost you have. So here are 5 things to do over the next 4 weeks to prepare you for the fall.
1. Exercise. Consistently.
Whether you need to drop 10 lbs, just tone up or even if your body is perfect, we all need about 60 minutes of exercise a day. Like it or not, what you look like counts for a lot in this industry. That goes for your weight and how your skin looks. Late nights drinking poolside and extra helpings of ice cream and frappucinos do nothing for either. More exercise improves your skin tone, helps you drop fat and will have you looking well rested and healthy. Don't wait for fall to start good habits. Besides how you look, exercise contributes to healthy sleep patterns, improved moods, improves circulation and does wonders for your esteem and sex drive. All these things are confidence builders and there is nothing better to walk into an audition with than stellar confidence.
2. Take an acting class
Summer is a great time to learn a new skill or technique. A lot of schools start back up in the fall however it makes for some pretty rusty Septembers. Try a weekend workshop, a voiceover class or if you'd like to learn the Meisner technique, I run classes continuously through the summer at the Robyn Kay Studio. There should never be too long a break from working on your craft.
3. Prepare your headshots and resumes
You must do these inane paperworking tasks a few times a year. Now is a great time for getting your ducks in a row. Need new headshots or more copies? Plan to get that done before August is through. Make sure you have a stack of headshots and resumes to take you through the new year. Update your resume, have thank you cards prepared for all the casting directors youll be seeing- its even a great time to start your own website or work on your reel once and for all. Take some time to do those things that we are often too busy for during the rest of the year.
4. Watch TV
Or read plays, or see live theatre or go to the movies. Know whats current. Figure out what kinds of roles move you. Figure out why you love some actors performances. Pinpoint what you hate about others. In order to excel in this business you need to be hip to what is current. Everyone needs to watch Breaking Bad if only because it is the most critically acclaimed television show to date and its all anyone can talk about. You need to develop cultural class and as an actor, that means having opinions on what is currently being talked about.
5. Wake up earlier with a plan in mind.
Whether you wake up at 9 am or 3 in the afternoon. Start waking up earlier. You have a lot to do. Don't just wake up early to enjoy your coffee longer or take a longer morning walk. Sit down and plan out your day. Figure out a few specific measurable goals for the day and get them done. Clean your desk or learn a new monologue or make some new contacts. Every day you should be accomplishing a few things that will take you to your ultimate goals. Taking actions, no matter how small, lead to increased confidence, motivation and hinder depression. They also help you accomplish your dreams.
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