Waiting is an important part of any performer’s journey. The spaces in between - those are the spaces that need attention because that is where all the work is done, that is where the foundations are strengthened, that is where stories are born, that is where you can see clearly.
Waiting is hard. An actor’s life mostly comprises waiting for auditions, waiting for the results of auditions, etc … All sorts of emotions bubble to the surface: expectation, ego, doubt and even panic can arise when you’re waiting for news.
So I buckle down and I work. I’m not just talking about “putting food on the table” work here; I’m talking about “feeding the creative monster” work. So while I’m waiting to hear if I get cast in this brilliant show, I’m planning a development workshop for my new show, I’m creating a new central character named Jackie whose story intertwins all the other women’s, I’m learning a new monologue, I’m working with friends on their own Inner Health Practice, I’m scribing my most recent voice lessons so I can extract the specific exercises I want to work on to strengthen my muscles when I have to create thin-fold sounds, I’m exercising and I’m planning a holiday.
And a few times a week, I re-visit the show I’m waiting to hear about and I’m listening to the songs and reading a version of the book I found online.
What I’m doing is creating a continuous stream of small chunks of work comprises of singular tasks and also things that are on-going. This way, I’m playing the long game. I’m not relying on one particular opportunity to “make it” for me. I’m preparing myself for the other opportunities that are going to come my way and when they do show up, I’ll be ready.
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My name is Eu Jin. I recently embarked on a career as a professional actor after 20 years in the corporate world. A big supporter of personal growth, I also dedicate time and energy in performing arts education, specifically in the arena of practical approaches to inner health because I believe that lays the groundwork for a sustainable career as an artiste. If you would like to find out more or share your thoughts, please leave me a message on the "Contact" page of my website. Thank you very much!