From: A magician who just moved to L.A. to be an actor.
Question: I was wondering if you had any tips or words of wisdom you could pass down to me?
Kick starting an acting career is much like developing your magic skills–the mind is your greatest ally or detractor. I thank God for my talent, AND talent is NOT the most important thing (in my estimation).
The difference between living the life you desire and not living the life you desire, lies in your ability to want it, feel it is possible, and then be relentless in your efforts to attain the dream–all the while letting “something” that you can’t see or control assist you, and making sure you do your part in becoming the person you need to be to manifest the things you want.
For instance, if your desire is to be an actor then your part is to:
- want it deeply
- study
- expose your talent as often as possible in arenas that can support your dream
- self-explore and discover—be honest with yourself about your fears, get really good at seeing your doubt and how it might sabotage you, and engage a coach or enroll in training classes that help you sort through, thin out and dissolve the crap that gets in your way.
Ask yourself the question, “What must I do to be ready for my greatest success?”
“Something” is activated when you sincerely ask effective open-ended questions.
Let that “something” lead.
The “something” I speak of can only be seen and verified by each of us individually. I see IT assisting me when a piece of information comes my way that answers a need I have; or, when I tire of looking for my keys and stand in the middle of the room and ask out loud, “Please show me where my keys are;” or, when out of the blue something serendipitous happens in my favor.
One of my favorite stories regarding serendipity: I went on an audition for a movie titled “Paris Trout”. I liked the character a lot, and of course wanted the role. At the time I was performing the maid’s role in “Miss Julie” at the Odyssey Theatre, here in L.A. When I walked into the waiting room for the “Paris Trout” audition, the LA Times Calendar section was on the coffee table. It had been separated from the rest of the paper.
My picture and a review of the show were prominently visible. The Calendar section was folded open to page 6…the page with my review. When I walked into the room to actually audition everyone had seen the review. I got the job. That’s the “something” I refer to. You can’t control “something,” but “something” does support the feelings and ideas that we passionately let live inside of us.
I hope this does not sound like gobble-de-goop! This is my firm believe as to the first part of manifesting dreams.
Next is exposing your talent. Get seen. Casting people have to know you exist. I can’t tell you how to do that these days. (I am at a different stage in my career.) Start asking around, get really curious about, “how to meet casting people” and then let that same “something” assist you serendipitously. Go to the Samuel French actors bookstore and ask questions about workshops and how to get seen by casting directors.
I factor serendipity into all my plans. All my dreams are way too big for me to accomplish on my own. So I have learned to “ask for” and “expect” support from the Great mind of life.
Let’s live life triumphantly,
Tina
