[NoHo Arts District, CA] – Happy Holidays! This month’s acting blog from Fran Montano of Actors Workout Studio focuses on the need to “take a break, celebrate, and take inventory.”
Well, it’s December, the end of the year, and time to wind down 2022. It’s been quite a few years of change. With Covid a lot has changed in our business. Classes moved to Zoom, auditions moved to zoom, and self tape is the new way to be seen and it looks like self tapes are the new normal and here to stay. It’s no longer a temporary situation.
There is a big change in the submission process, and how to be seen.
If you haven’t paid attention, you’ve missed out and a lot to catch up on. There has been a lot of technology changes happening with self tape equipment, lighting, editing, teleprompters, rehearsal apps, and line memorizing apps. It’s a lot to keep track of and the technology continues to change quickly.
As we head into the end of the year and the holiday season, it’s a good time to celebrate, take a break, pause from your routine, and replenish. I think it’s a good opportunity to steep, contemplate, step back and take inventory.
At the Actors Workout Studio I like to say that we are in the business of “transforming actor’s lives, one at a time.” We believe in the whole artist, not only the skills, craft, and business of the actor. We aim to discover and reveal who each actor is through their work on stage and screen, in class and beyond.
I like to take actors beyond the work, asking questions, such as Who are you? What makes you tick? and What is driving your choices and imagination? I encourage my students to take a break during the holidays and think, ponder, re-evaluate, and yes, marinate. Don’t set goals, don’t try to do anything, just let it sit. Ask yourself, Are you living your dream? Is what you’re doing working? What’s missing? Tune in to your body, spirit, and soul.
Here are a few quotes I like to reflect on when ruminating.
- “The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” Walt Disney.
- “Real success is not on the stage, but off the stage as a human being, and how you get along with your fellow man.” Sammy Davis, Jr.
- “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson
It’s also a good time to give, and to serve. Actors are performers, and we “give” ourselves when working. We give our hearts and souls to reveal characters and stories through our instruments. How can you give this season? Take some focus off yourself and give to others. Give a gift to someone who least expects it. Make someone smile. Go out of your way to express love to someone who needs it. Donate, serve, give to a worthy cause. It’s part of who we are. This business can be obsessive and consuming at times, so take a break, celebrate, and discover yourself.
This is a great time to rest, rejuvenate, and contemplate to set yourself up to take off in the New Year ahead. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and see you in class!
Fran Montano
Actors Workout Studio