Now That You're An Actor, Are You Happy?

Let's take a moment and review the common fantasies of being an actor:

• Big part on a hit TV show
• Movie star
• Award winner
• Adored by the public
• Rich and famous beyond your wildest dreams

While some of the above items might not be in your personal dreams of being a successful actor, many people want most (or all) of them.  Will achieving those dreams make you a happy person? Will you be fulfilled by your chosen path? How can you tell if you're a happy actor?

1. Do you have a life beyond acting?

Acting is a wonderful way to spend your days.  One of the main reasons aspiring actors become disgruntled with their craft is a lack of outside interests.  If all you focus on is the next audition, writing a script or what roles other actors have landed, you will quickly burn yourself out on any enjoyment of your craft.  

Venture outside the world of acting by getting a day job, volunteering with a charity or playing sports.  It will help you appreciate the time you spend on acting even more than you did before you found outside interests.

2. Do you still enjoy watching other actors?

Everyone has a favorite TV show.  Most people enjoy going to the movies.  For an actor, watching other actors can be a big clue in determining if you're happy as an actor.  Do you view the work of another actor with envy since they got a part you really wanted or do your eyes light up while you discuss what great work they did and how much fun certain scenes must have been to film?  

You don't have to be excited each time you watch someone else work but it is a telling sign if you can't identify things you can learn from the work of others.

3.  What's your reaction when it's time for an acting class?

Are you happy to be going to class?  Are you not prepared and dread having to perform in front of others?  Do you look forward to supporting your classmates?  Are you counting the minutes until class is over?  

If going to your acting class is more of a chore than a happy occasion then it might be time to reconsider you passion for your acting career.

4.  Is it still an adventure?

Think about all the times your family has asked you the dreaded question, "When will I see you on TV?"  You can also use the word "movie" in place of "TV".  It's a question asked of almost every actor.  You can answer it by mumbling a vague answer or fill them in on your adventures.

Tell them about the time you had to make up bird calls in an audition.  Share the story of being in a creepy house in Illinois in the middle of the night with no running water.  Make them wonder why it was fun to go through a drive-thru window with fake blood all over your face while you acted like nothing was wrong.

Share the adventure of your journey with your family and friends.  The realization that you're experiencing moments that others can only dream about helps keep many actors happy and energized on their journey.

5.  Are you thankful?

While you might not have landed that big part in the Spielberg movie, you did get to audition for the role.  That's an opportunity that thousands of other actors did not get to enjoy.  

Step back and take the time to appreciate what you've been able to experience so far in your career. Keep the highs and lows in perspective and your overall happiness with what you've accomplished (so far) in your career will be easy to maintain on a regular basis.

Lilly Pulitzer once said, "Being happy never goes out of style."  Are you staying in style by remaining happy and positive about where you're going or are you focusing on what you haven't achieved and letting it drag you down?  

The answer to that question might be the answer you need to determine the future direction of your acting career.

This actor has plenty of funny audition and acting stories.