In the last few weeks the world has faced an unprecedented situation, businesses have closed their doors, countries have closed their borders and most importantly to us, the acting industry has come to an abrupt halt. All in aid of coming together against a mutual enemy, COVID-19, the Corona Virus.
It’s easy as an actor to get disparaged, at the best of times, no matter how proactive we are being the reoccurring thought is constantly:
“Where is my next role going to come from?”.
Anyone who knows me knows that like many of you I HATE sitting still, so in order to combat the actors depression, here is my list of 6 things that you can do in order to make the most of the lockdown.
1. Update Your Materials
With the day to day grind, concentrating on learning lines for auditions, applying for posted jobs, going to networking events, etc, etc and that’s not to mention working a second job to keep the lights on; it can be easy to let this go by the way-side.
But keeping your casting materials up to date is absolutely essential if you want to Get noticed by casting professionals and show that you’re growing as a performer. Got a new skill and haven’t put it in your CV? Throw it in! Is that showreel looking a little dated? Track down some new footage and get a new one together. Maybe even have a chat with your agent to discuss what updates you can plan for when this is all over such as new headshots.
Remember that your Casting profile is the first line of offence when getting a job so you need it to be in tip top shape and display your skills as a performer to the best of your ability!
2. Learn New Skills
Alongside updating your materials, this is often another aspect of an actors life that falls into the category of “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But growth is imperative if you wish to continue to work and be cast, so take this opportunity while you’re sat at home to learn some new skills that you can put into practice on set.
Why not check out my list of New Skills To Learn in Lockdown
3. Online Casting Workshops and One to One’s
Before the world‘s industries came to a close casting workshops were of great importance to actors. A chance to get in front of the decision makers and give them a taste of what you as an actor are capable of, whilst in return receiving fantastic advice from the people in the know; they did however they come at a cost. Mixing Networks, probably the best company in London to provide this service, charge £30 a pop for a group workshop with a casting director.
If you want to see an upside to the current climate it is the new movement by Sophie Holland CSA and Faye Timby. #castingcrushescorona has become a global phenomenon, with casting directors worldwide offering actors the opportunity to meet them, chat and perform prepared monologues via video chat on Skype, Zoom and more prolifically WeAudition. Best of all, THEY ARE FREE!
So go get your butts signed up to these services and keep an eye on your Twitter newsfeed to stay up to date with which CD’s are offering one to one’s.
4. Get Yourself Fit
There is nothing in the known universe more constantly in flux than that of an actors schedule, which makes keeping a regular workout schedule troubling. But being sat inside all day offers us the perfect opportunity to start along the path to physical fitness.
This doesn’t necessarily mean getting swol, or running a marathon when you get out of lockdown, but regular exercise, whether it be a HIIT class, resistance training, yoga, Pilates, a jog around the block, will help you to keep off the quarantine weight but more importantly flood your body with much needed endorphins to help stave off depression caused by not seeing friends and family for extended periods of time.
I highly recommend the latest videos by AthleanX whose owner has posted several videos showing well balanced full body workouts without the need for any equipment.
6. Create Your Own Work
This is one that’s spouted again and again even when there isn’t a worldwide crisis in the headlights, I can’t count the number of times I have heard actors or guru‘s or grand parents say “why not create your own work?”
The fact is that it is a legitimate piece of advise that few of us have the time, skills or professional know how to put into practice. Sure you might be able to write your own play or film, but after that comes a long period of production which is a niche skill in and of itself that many take years to learn. This isn’t to mention funding, putting on a play in London can cost thousands of pounds in theatre hire, actors, directors, technicians fees, props advertising, blah blah blah. Producing a film can be even harder, especially when it comes to marketing and selling your film to a distributor.
What you can do however is start small. Write a monologue and film it on your phone, casting director Ryan Glorioso (@ryglo on Instagram) has issued a one minute monologue challenge, so why not record something and get a few more likes under your belt? Start writing a blog, or recording a vlog about your quarantine, or showcasing your other actors skills, accent videos always do well.
These are just a few suggestions but let your imagination go crazy, there are no wrong answers!
6. Network
The sixth and final tip is just this simple, network! I guarantee your Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram is littered with directors, casting directors, producers and writers, so why not spend some time sending out messages and connecting? But don’t just send out your CV, connect with them as human beings! We are all in a pretty crappy situation and trying to make the best of it, so here’s a great opener:
Hey! How’s your lockdown going, hope you’re keeping safe.
Boom! There’s your conversation starter.
BONUS TIP
7. Take Time For Yourself
This is probably the most important thing you can do, although it's great to be productive and do things that are going to help your career, it is important that you don't burn out. So spend some time doing something meaningless, something relaxing, or something pointlessly fun! You'll feel a million times better I promise.
So that’s my list, let me know on Twitter or Facebook if you found this helpful and feel free to let me know any of your suggestions!
TTFN
Johnny
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