Friday, March 31, 2017

Get Cool with Admitting What You Don't Know

A good friend of mine is a history professor at one of the top universities in the country. He has every degree, title, and award under the sun. 

So I was surprised one afternoon when he told me, "The more you learn the more you realize how much you don't know." I found his discovery not only enlightening, but also courageous. 

Here was a guy who could effortlessly call from memory dates of battles, treaties, the details of landmark court cases, and the framework of the Constitution. Yet he still admitted there was a great deal he would never know.  

How many times have you nodded your head "yes" when someone asked if you were versed on a topic you weren't at all familiar with? And why were you so afraid of admitting you didn't know something?

I know for a long time I'd try to hide my ignorance on a topic for fear of being excluded, or being thought of as uninformed. But the older I get the more I realize there's actually strength in vulnerability and in admitting you don't know something. It reveals not only honesty, but integrity.

And when we admit we don't know something we can then take the steps necessary to remedy it if we so choose.  

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Protect Your Right to Say, "No"

As actors we're conditioned to be grateful for any role that comes our way. Because booking work for most actors is so sporadic, when an opportunity presents itself we often take it without questioning how the part actually sits with us. I know as a young actor I wrestled with this as well.

But as I got a little older I began to appreciate that as actors, though our options may feel limited, we have power over the following:

-- our work ethic
-- our ability to create our own opportunities (e.g. writing your own films, plays, blogs, etc) 
-- how we react to setbacks 

AND

-- whether or not to accept a role 

The last one doesn't seem so obvious to most, but one thing to consider is the roles you take will be there for posterity. If it's caught on film, you want to be able to look back and hold your head high. And I don't mean every role must be a leading role where you save the day, or triumph over a villain. I'm referring to taking on roles that are in harmony with your personal principles and core values. 

When I signed with an agency in Los Angeles they sent me a questionnaire asking if there was anything I wouldn't do for a role, for which I was enormously grateful. Here's what I wrote:

"I won’t compromise my personal ethics, morals, or core principles. I also will not perpetuate what I perceive to be ethnic stereotypes, or undermine my ethnic heritage.  (i.e. the butt of a one-liner Asian joke in a sitcom, etc.) Also happy to elaborate if there are any questions."

If a role doesn't sit right with you for whatever reason you don't need to take it and you owe nobody an explanation. 



Wednesday, March 29, 2017

You Don't Need to Share Your Dreams with Everyone

There's a famous story about a woman who sold fax machines door-to-door for 7 years. After work, she'd rush home and work on a dream she'd slowly been developing that struck her one evening before heading off to a party. She toiled away working late into the night and on weekends. This went on for years and years.

Eventually, her family wanted to know what it was that had been keeping her so busy. After a year or so she finally revealed to her mother what'd she'd been up to.

Why did she wait a so long to share this ambition that burned so passionately within? Because she knew her mother would try to talk her out of it. 

That woman's name is Sara Blakely who is the founder of a little company called Spanx. And by last count Mrs. Blakely is worth just over $1,000,000,000.

We don't always, and in some cases shouldn't, share our dreams with everyone. 

Often times the people closest to us, who also claim to have our best interests at heart, will crush a dream, or worse a spirit.

This may be a stretch for some, but I believe people's attempt to talk you out of something you yearn to do can be a form of bullying -- a tactic of intimidation utilized by projecting fear, doubt, and bitterness on to you. 

Protect your dreams fiercely. Share them only with like-minded people who support your vision, believe in you, and will hold you accountable to take the action steps necessary to get you closer to where you want to be. 

Choose your Brain Trust wisely. 



Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Life Happens When You're Planning Something Else

Author and management expert Ken Blanchard once said, "Life is what happens to you when you are planning to do something else." What's his point? 

Well, as a young actor I recall being so rigid and monomaniacal in my pursuit of being a working actor that I had blinders on to just about everyone, or anything that wasn't in harmony with that goal. In the end, it came at a great cost.

It's great to be focused but important to also take some personal inventory. Sometimes what we wanted 2, or 3 years ago isn't what we want now. And rather than plowing through and not listening to that voice, it's important we stay flexible in our thinking and recognize it may be a sign to do something else completely.

That may sound like you're giving up on a dream, but I would argue it means you've evolved as a person and the things you value have simply changed. There's no shame in that. In fact, it takes courage.

Work harder on yourself than you do on your career and you'll develop the self-awareness to know if what you're doing isn't working, or doesn't resonate with you anymore. You'll also be more likely to do something about it. 

You would be amazed at the opportunities that await you when you approach your life with a mindset of availability.


Monday, March 27, 2017

The University of Traffic

One of the most common complaints I hear for not beginning projects of value is, "I don't have any time." And many times it's a valid argument. I certainly don't want to be insensitive to the many hats we all where in our busy day-to-day lives.

But if there's one thing I've learned it's that successful people have a way of converting "shoulds" into "musts." They take inventory of how much something means to them and decide it will, however difficult, get done.

When I first moved to Los Angeles I spent several hours of my week stuck in traffic. Invariably, I'd grow agitated each time I thought about how much time I was losing. 

But when I made the slight adjustment to use that time to inform myself and turn gridlock traffic into the "University of Traffic," I slowly found other ways to utilize my time more productively, even when it seemed I didn't really have any options to do so.

You can find "pockets" where you might listen to an interesting podcast, or audiobook on the way to work, or while working out. 

You can also do something author, photographer, and high performance expert James Clear (http://jamesclear.com/) calls, "stacking." Maybe you do your laundry, while treating yourself to a Netflix show. This cuts down on wasted time and moves the needle forward in both tasks that need attending to and projects you're passionate about.

The best part is that you're building a muscle and conditioning yourself to optimize the time you have. You'll grow much more conscious of time wasted and look to find creative ways to invest in your development. 

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Someday It'll Be You

Last night, I attended a little mixer for an organization where I teach a workshop called, "Acting as a Career." I ran into a young woman who took the class a few weeks back. We were excited to see one another and I could tell she wanted to share what she'd been up to since our last meeting.

"I'm writing a monologue," she told me. "And here's a video clip of a presentation I gave in class." She beamed with pride as she showed me the performance.

I told her I was immensely proud of the initiative she'd taken into getting her voice out into the world. "You're doing everything right," I told her. "You're meeting new people, taking classes, and really putting yourself out there." 

Just before I left I told her one last thing: "One day, you'll be the one people come to for advice. Someday people will look up to you and ask you to share all the lessons you've learned on your journey." She smiled as we parted ways. I could tell she was up to the task.

Pass on what you know.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

On to the Next One

"Shattered hopes of success must be transformed into the joy of new achievements." 

Nothing in life works according to plan. For some people, that reality has the potential of irreparable harm. Because their life has not lived up to some vision they developed for them self long ago they've lost all bearings, focus, and plan of attack.

In some ways, I fell into this trap. I'd basically wanted one thing since the age of 11 and when that dream was not realized exactly the way I'd hoped I felt quite lost.

The solution was slowly cultivating the belief this setback was an opportunity to find other ways to utilize my talents and offer value to the world. It may not have happened precisely as I'd originally hoped, but I realized my new pursuit had the capacity to be as, or even more fulfilling.

Don't give up on yourself. Your talents and abilities to serve others far exceed what you may believe to be possible. The trick is getting started and knowing through patient experimentation you will eventually stumble upon the next thing. 

Friday, March 24, 2017

It's All Preparation

Last night, I met up with two close friends of mine. Not only have they been incredibly supportive of my artistic endeavors over the years, but they're also incredibly inspiring people. They've worked diligently the past 5 years to launch an App for wine lovers that is soon to take off!

I explained how I was excited to offer value to as many actors and artists in the world by helping them find ways to empower themselves. "The whole mission of, "To the Prospective Artist" is to help actors, artists, and creatives live lives of artistry off-stage," I told them. "So they can enrich the quality of their work on it."

"It's a great mission," they told me. But they sensed that I had some reservations. I explained that I was so passionate about the idea but feared it would take years and years before it finally took flight. "I'm just tired of waiting," I said. "I worked 12 years toward another goal that didn't turn out exactly as planned and now I want to do this. I'm not sure if I can wait that long again."

Without hesitation they told me those 12 years brought me to this point. "Don't you see, you've been preparing for this moment all that time. All those years as an actor, writer, filmmaker, volunteer, and traveler have brought you here. You have to keep pushing because it's going to happen. Actors and artists yearn for community like everyone else. They probably need it more than anyone because it's such a solo endeavor."

I walked away taking great comfort in their words. They were right. They had after all lived it. 

I realized when you set out toward any passionate endeavor you need to look at all the experiences you've had to that point as preparation. If you focus on where you've been and how it's prepared you for what you're trying to accomplish now, you're less likely to get worked up about how long it's going to take to get to where you want to be. You'll marvel at your journey, and in time, begin to appreciate it.

TEDx Talk: 6 Ways Actors and Artists Can Empower Themselves is now available. If you find the talk of value please share it with anyone you think may benefit from it. My mission is to always add as much value to all the actors, artists, and creatives committed to getting their unique voices heard. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSAgO3sPBog

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Who Sent You? The Enemy?

Many years ago I was helping out at a homeless shelter in Syracuse, New York. 

For whatever reason, I had a real tough time getting my bearings that morning. They told me to go right, I'd veer left. They asked for something at 7:30 they got it at 7:45. The whole day I was just one step behind. Looking back on that day there was undoubtedly a lack of focus on my part.

By afternoon, I'd managed to fumble another relatively simple task before my supervisor finally said, "Geez kid, who sent you? The enemy?" 

The two of us had a good laugh over it and it actually released a great deal of tension I'd been feeling throughout the morning. After his little quip, I was finally able to dig my heels in and do a better job for the rest of the day.

I was young and incredibly earnest. I was trying so hard to do a good job that I started to take my self far too seriously. The moment of levity freed me and reminded me that you can work hard, be focused, and still get a great deal done even if the work is infused with a sense of play and humor.

As filmmaker Clint Eastwood once said, "Take the work seriously, but not yourself."

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Play "A" or Play "B" but You Can't Do Both

Many years ago during a scene study class a teacher of mine stopped two of my classmates mid rehearsal. "Play either A, or play B. You can't do both. Make a choice!"

What he saw in the the performers was an attempt to straddle the fence. They had more than one interpretation of the scene and tried to split the difference by infusing the story with several points of view. I'd fallen in the same trap many times myself.

As I get older, my instructor's words seem even more poignant today. Whatever path we choose we must do so fully committed. There's little to be gained by constantly hedging our bets and looking for a chance to bail out at the first sign of trouble. Even if we discover a choice we made is the wrong one there's enormous value to be gained by making a decision and standing by it. 

When we decide not to play A, or B fully and look for something in the middle, we end up with something vague and uninspiring. There's courage in vulnerability and lots to be gained by living boldly. 


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Get Around Better

One of the best ways to improve at a craft is to get around someone who does it better. If you want to become a strong creative writer read the works of exceptional authors. 

If you want to improve your public speaking, study Martin Luther King, John and Bobby Kennedy, and Joel Osteen. 

Maybe you want to improve your relationship with your partner, look to someone who has a thriving relationship.

It's not about emulating someone else but allowing their energy to infuse you with a sense of confidence and belief that you too can make great strides if you put in the work like they did. (I assure you they did.)

Even better, the more you surround yourself with like-minded people who excel at something you want to do you'll gradually begin to cut yourself off from the toxic people and environments that don't support your vision.  

Get around better.

Monday, March 20, 2017

I Wasn't Special

For years I wore the fact I hadn't reached all of my highest targets as an actor despite having given it everything I had as a badge of honor. It was a way to proclaim the "injustice" of the industry and forfeit some accountability.

But as I got older, I realized there was absolutely nothing noble or unique about giving something your all and still coming up short. There were people in all types of industries who'd spent just as much emotional, physical, mental, and financial capital into a project for years and years only to see their dreams not come to fruition.

Instead of distancing myself from this people, clinging on to the notion that nobody would understand how I felt, I began to find ways to humble myself. These people became mentors, role models, and inspirations. 

I tipped my hat to their sense of fortitude and refusal to quit their quest to find some way to amplify their voices and offer value even if it may now be in a different way than originally intended. 

Sunday, March 19, 2017

The Art of Auditioning

"A relaxed attitude lengthens life.” Auditioning is kind of like courting a partner. Desperation can be sensed from a mile away and it isn’t attractive. Here's a few quick tips on auditioning I picked up in all my years as an actor and as a Broadway casting reader.

Come Prepared. You may not have time to get off-book, but the closer you can be the more flexibility you'll have in your performance. Casting directors see dozens and dozens of actors for the same role. They're looking for someone who will bring their own unique interpretation to the work.
Show Up on Time. This might seem like a no brainer, but showing up on time has many benefits: it shows you're serious about the opportunity, your craft, and that if hired you can be relied upon. Showing up early also allows you to mentally, emotionally, and spiritually collect yourself before giving your audition. 
Be Polite. Be grateful. Casting directors are people just like you and me. They want to be treated with respect and know the person they're hiring is not only talented but has integrity. I've seen many talented people overlooked for perhaps less skilled actors because they weren't gracious and committed to making the most of the opportunity. 

Claim Your Space. Come from a place of confidence and power. You’ve earned the right to be there and they’re just as lucky to have YOU. For those few minutes it’s YOUR stage.
Let it go. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress by not dissecting what you could have done differently. It’s done and if you’ve put your best effort forward you’ll have absolutely nothing to regret. Forget about it because the casting director already has. Just give your best audition then go about your day knowing if this doesn’t work out, that’s okay because plenty of other people would love to work with you. Want but don’t need. This comes from living a well-rounded life full of other interests, rich relationships, and an empowering sense of self.
And remember, if you do excellent work and show up with a great attitude you'll likely end up on the "mental rolodex" of a casting director. You may not be right for this particular role but may get a call out of the blue a week, month, or years down the road for the perfect part. I've seen it happen many times.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Charity Vs.Generosity

In my TEDx Talk entitled, 6 Ways Actors and Artists Can Empower Themselves (available soon) I talked about the importance of service to others. Helping people help themselves gives integrity to your ambition and is a crash course on understanding the "Bigger Picture 101." But it's also important to appreciate that though a sense of charity and generosity are enormously important attributes there are differences.

Charity usually refers to the voluntary giving of aid, or money. It can be a real game-changer for a family, or person in need. There are a lot of terrific organizations you can donate to depending on where your passion lies. Making a monetary contribution is a very kind gesture with the potential to make a big impact.

Generosity is something else. It means you are giving yourself over to a person or cause greater than you can fully appreciate through your time, your energy, and spirit. This is quite possibly the greatest gift you can give anyone; the act of sharing the human condition without judgement, but with the broader objective of reminding someone they aren't alone.

And though you may not fully comprehend their suffering, you have enough compassion to try and mitigate it.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Start Before You're Ready

Several years ago a friend was helping me prepare for an audition. She saw that I'd spent considerable time working on the piece and as a result had started to over-think the scene.

"Start just before you're ready," she said to me. What does she mean? I thought. It actually took me a few years to fully appreciate the power of her message.

We often spend a great deal of time consuming information for how to become a better actor, artist, or partner. There are countless resources out there on how to start a business, or write a book. But if we're not careful we can get bogged down with all the information and not take action - "Paralysis through Analysis."

Instead of waiting to launch your business before you have the perfect product, or begin an audition, speech, or important conversation when you feel it'll go precisely has rehearsed, try pushing yourself to adopt the notion that knowledge is only effective if it is accompanied by action. And that action can happen now. 

There are always steps you can take to incrementally get you to where you want to be. Start by starting.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Comparison is a No-Win Game

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of all joy." Mind you, this was before people started posting their vacations, outings, and meals on Facebook and Instagram.

We live in a time where access into each other's lives is unprecedented. Countless platforms allow us to Like, or Follow if we feel so inclined. But it's also generated a sense of frenzy that we're missing out, or that someone else's life is more fulfilling.

As I get older, one thing I've become much more cognizant of is marketing. How a certain type of lifestyle is being sold to us. "Buy this and you'll live a certain way."

What I think we have to be conscious of is the posts you see on a daily basis are literally a snapshot of an someone's life. Like you, their lives are filled with ups, downs, and in-betweens. 

Investing our emotions into someone else's experience can cause us to take inventory of our own lives, which is not a bad thing necessarily, but can be detrimental if fueled by envy.

When we cease comparing ourselves to others we allow our sense of self-worth to be generated on our own terms. As a result, we refuse to let someone else's validation of us to equate to self-acceptance.

By living life on our own accord we build that trust within ourself. And with trust comes confidence that our lives our meant to be lived out uniquely without worrying so much about what others are doing. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

You're a Firefighter

There are only handful of guarantees in life. Perhaps the most prominent being that virtually nothing goes according to plan. Starting a business, writing a book, or making a film for example are such extraordinarily difficult endeavors there's almost no way it possibly could go exactly the way you'd want it to.

We've all received a phone call out of the blue with discouraging news, searched longer that we'd hoped to find a job, or been blindsided by someone's desire to no longer be with us in a relationship, professional or personal.

In other words, you're always going to be putting out fires; unexpected hurdles on your journey to living a fulfilling career and life.

Once you accept your perennial role as a firefighter it's actually quite liberating. You understand that life requires you to pivot, be on your toes, and think flexibly. Once you understand this you're less likely to become discouraged or thrown off at the next curve ball thrown your way because you've conditioned yourself to adjust.

Strap on your helmet and handle adversity with poise. It's just another reliable step to getting to where you want to be.


Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Wing Chun Ain't Enough - A Story About Bruce Lee

There's a famous story about how Bruce Lee was challenged to a fight by affiliates of the Gee Yau Seah Academy in 1964. Members of this particular organization took offense to Lee's bravado and weren't particularly keen on his method of teaching.

Lee accepted the challenge and ended up fighting a man named, Wong Jack Man, a Wing Chun stylist. The fight went on for longer than Lee anticipated but he ended up the victor.

What Lee discovered afterwards was quite interesting. Because he was only versed in Wing Chun, his options during the exchange were relatively limited. His capacity to counter certain moves and adopt a flexible methodology were constrained because he only knew one type of martial art well. In other words, there were significant weaknesses in his craft.

He then went on a quest to learn and master other types of self-defense. It was this philosophy that permeated his approach to life in general.

Not only was Lee an amazing martial artist but he designed jewelry, exercise equipment, was a philosopher, screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He never allowed himself to be limited in any arena of his life, nor was he embarrassed by the fact he didn't know how to do something. He just found out how to do it.

In his own words, "To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities."


Monday, March 13, 2017

Become a Quitter

There's a huge stigma in our culture about quitting. Countless films, inspirational quotes, and stories promote the narrative that the only people who succeed in life are those with the dogged determination to stick with something at any cost. But what if striving for something no longer make sense?

The truth is not quitting can actually be a greater detriment to you in the long run depending on what it is. Toxic relationships, a job you hate, and goals that no longer resonate with you should not be prolonged. It's also important to take inventory of our approach to work and relationships to see if what we're doing is working. If it's not then what's the sense in continuing? Why not find a better way?

Another form of quitting is learning to delegate tasks that need to get done by asking or paying someone else to do them. That way you have more time to focus on what you do best. Learning to let go and admit to yourself that other people are equally skilled takes courage and humility.

Look for what you should quit in your life and fight like hell for what actually is important to you. You probably already know the difference. It's just about taking the next step. 

Sunday, March 12, 2017

TEDx Talk Recap: 6 Ways Actors and Artists Can Empower Themselves

Last Tuesday, I had the great fortune of speaking at a TEDx Event at Bergen Community College in New Jersey. The title of the talk was, 6 Ways Actors and Artists Can Empower themselves.

The principles of the speech are largely drawn from my book, To the Prospective Artist: Lessons from an Unknown Actor and I hope you find them of value regardless of your passion or pursuit. Here's a quick run down of the six points:

1. Continual Learning - Your education never stops. Read everything you can get your hands on, take classes, meet new people. For years I was a 1-dimensional person who could talk all day about theater and great storytelling, but soon realized I needed to know a little about a lot more. Acting eventually became what I did, but no longer defined who I was.

2. Travel - You don't have to go far. For example, you don't need your passport to wander the botanic gardens in Brooklyn, or catch the bus to City Island. Each place, near or far gives you an opportunity to meet new people and challenge the assumptions you have about them.

3. Service to Others - For anyone looking for a crash course in understanding "The Bigger Picture" service to others is your answer. Brief service stints in countries like Nepal, Haiti, and South Africa taught me there will always be someone in the world having a tougher time than you. Service to others is a great way to discover new things about yourself. Happiness, to a large degree, is a choice. And helping people help themselves gives integrity to your ambition.

4. Define Success on Your Own Terms - This means letting go of other people's definition of success. My heroes were ordinary people who worked day jobs, but still found the time to sing, write, act, or play. They taught me success is becoming great and something you love to do and attainment of your goal is not the point, but rather who you become in the process.

5. Create Your Own Opportunities - Admittedly, this one took me a LONG time to figure out. But it's very likely that phone call for the perfect part, or opportunity will never arrive so YOU need to create it. Today, all you need is a smartphone and idea. Start writing your story today through blogs, plays, films, or one-person shows. Start that business or write that book. You have more control over getting your voice out into the world than you've been led to believe. And remember, your success does not need to come at the expense of someone else's failure.

6. Dreams Change and that's Okay - What you want at 25 will be different than what you want at 45. It doesn't mean you've quit a dream. It just means you've evolved and what you value most in life is now different. I learned that all those years in voice, movement, and acting class had little to do with being an actor and more to do with living a life and not just a career. If we were fortunate we might become great actors in the process. The point was to be open to where life might take you.

I'll be sure to post the TEDx Talk in it's entirety when I can. Look for it on www.nickmaccarone.com or on YouTube. I hope you find it of value! 

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Think Like Toni Erdmann

Last night I saw a terrific movie called, Toni Erdmann. I thought the film was actually quite profound making me consider the “bigger picture,” without hand-feeding me a message; a true testament of excellent writing.

Strangely enough, I found myself losing that perspective almost instantly when I returned home. My furniture was everywhere because of renovations and I thought for a moment I'd overlooked my flight schedule.

I wondered how everything could be going swimmingly one minute and than be in complete disarray another. How much of it was self-imposed, I later thought to myself.

I suppose the lesson was to know that life can change on a dime and we have to have the flexibility to think flexibly when it does. 

As a result, we’re more likely to keep our poise and think clearly. At least that’s how I think Toni Erdmann might approach it.



Friday, March 10, 2017

Follow Those Ahead, Lead Those Behind

Yesterday was sort of an impromptu "Mentor Day." First, I met with a teacher that had a very important influence on my life when I first got out of graduate school. Over the years we've remained close even catching a Brooklyn Cyclones game a few summers ago. He'd check in from time to time to see how I was doing and ask if he could help in any of my pursuits.

Later that day, I went to see the performance of a young man who was just 18 when we first me at The Flea, an off-off Broadway theater company in Tribeca. 

(The show by the way is, The Skin of Our Teeth currently playing at Theatre for a New Audience in Brooklyn. Check it out if you get the chance!)

http://www.tfana.org/1617season/skin-teeth/tickets

After the performance I waited for him in the lobby and he asked if I had time for a quick drink. 

His manager was waiting for him as well and he promptly introduced me as his "mentor." I have to say it meant a great deal.

As we sat at a trendy bar adjacent to the theater peering out the window he told me how he was now the "older guy" in the play. There were actors even younger than him that had sought his advice during the play's run on more than one occasion. "It's really weird that I'm the guy helping other people now," he admitted. "I'm sure you're great," I told him.

As I left my mentor on the corner of 115th and Columbia he thanked me for an email I'd written him earlier in the week. "I'm not sure I deserved all of that," he said. I credited him for his mentorship and how it played a significant role in me finally publishing my book, speaking at TEDx, and even shaping the man I've slowly become.

Similarly, I felt I didn't deserve the acknowledgement when my friend gave me credit for much of his success.

But that night when I headed towards the 3 train back to Manhattan I realized someone will always know something you don't offering an opportunity for growth and learning. What is important is to pass on what you've learned.

Seek and follow the wisdom of those ahead and lead those behind you leaving bits and pieces of the insights you've gained.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Is Broadway Still Relevant?

Last night I met up with a group of friends I first worked with nearly 10 years ago at the Guthrie Theatre's Summer Experience for Actors Still in Training.  

We reminisced about that summer, looking back with great fondness. "That was the funnest summer of my life," a friend told me.

After a few minutes someone asked the relevance of Broadway. "Does is still matter in America and how?"

The three of us fell quiet trying to answer this question seemingly out of left field. But it was important, particularly for three men who'd dedicated much of their lives to performing on stage, and now that one of us was a teacher hoping to shed light on it's value to his students on a weekend trip to New York from Tennessee. 

Eventually we all concluded that it did matter. It mattered because it served as the "mecca" of stage performance, for better or worse. And though we may not have been fans of all the productions that graced its stages, we recognized it served as something to strive for. 

The goal was really not the point, but rather who you became in it's pursuit. When you know there is a place filled with hardworking and like-minded people who already do what you want to do it puts a bounce in your step and hopefully turns your will into an outward force. 

That's something we can all benefit from.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Be a Fan of Your Own Life

US Weekly, Fantasy Football, and the tabloids. It seems there are countless resources for us to closely, if not obsessively follow the lives of other people. Spend a few minutes listening to sports talk radio and it's astonishing how much people know about a player's stats, skills, even his or her off the field troubles.

There's nothing wrong with having hobbies and it's great to join clubs that give you a sense of community with other people who have like-minded interests. But be careful that you're not investing more time and energy into being more of a fan of other people's lives than your own.

Invest in yourself. Build something that you can be proud of and find a way to get your unique voice out into the world. Become an enormous fan of yourself and start creating value. 

It's your time.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Bring It

Years ago when I was in theater school there was a kid I admired a couple years above me. He had a great work ethic and was a fully committed student and actor. On more than one occasion I'd ask him for advice about a project I was working on and how to best navigate through the challenges of school.

A few weeks into his final year he was the lead in his class's thesis project. I couldn't believe the production value and the extraordinary work he'd put into his character. As a result, my heart sank when I sat in that virtually empty theater. It seemed no one had gotten the memo on great the play was.

I asked him afterwards how he coped with putting so much effort into something only to see an empty house.

"You just have to bring it like it's packed," he said without hesitation. "You always do your best."

This advice would serve me as I got older. Like many people, I found myself getting hung up on numbers. How many people came to a play, the number of people who watched a particular program I might have been on, and on and on. For some reason, I thought quantity meant value.

The truth is you have to dig deep within and trust that YOUR belief in your message will be enough. If there are hundreds, thousands, possibly even millions who end up reading your message and being influenced that's an amazing byproduct, but not the end goal.

Focus on giving value first. And no matter the audience, take a note from the Ancient Greeks who believed their words held up the pillars of the universe when they were on stage. If they did not speak with enough vigor, conviction, and passion the foundation would fall and the universe would collapse. 

No matter where you are remember to bring it.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Your Environment

It's amazing how quickly I find myself taking on the energy of the environment I'm in. When I'm in California around family and friends I find myself embracing moments of silence, solitude, and generally exercise more patience.

But when I touch back in New York after several weeks, or months away I notice my pace instantly quickens and my to-do list expands.

Neither are necessarily good or bad. But what I've noticed is that if you're not careful you can also take on the energy of toxic people and their environments. 

How often have you found yourself suddenly gossiping because a friend, or family member takes delight in doing so and you don't want to rock the boat? Or maybe, you become less health conscience, or start to take on behaviors not congruent to your own core values?

The trick is to know your principles so well and be so in tune with your goals and philosophy that no city, state, country, or planet will be able to shake who you are and what value you hope to offer others. 

You'll be able to adapt to your environment, while standing your ground.

Just a reminder: To the Prospective Artist: Lessons from An Unknown Actor has been published! Be the first to pick up the insights and tips gained from a 12-year journey as an actor, writer, filmmaker, community outreach volunteer, and traveler. 

Book now available at Barnes & Noble or Amazon bookstores for just $7.99. You can also pick it up at: www.nickmaccarone.com where I'd also like to give you some free "goodies" as a token of my appreciation. 

Be sure to get your copy today.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Messy Room

Getting started on a goal can feel a lot like cleaning a messy room. You're totally overwhelmed and have no clue where to begin.

You might start by folding the socks at your feet before making your bed then working your way toward tossing those dirty clothes in the hamper. The trick is to start.

After a little while you'll actually see yourself making progress, which will instill in you a sense of confidence to continue. In time, your mind and body will work in unison and you'll just know what to do next.

Keep at it and the place will look entirely different. You might even have a hard time recognizing where you are, marveling at how far you've come.

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Check Your Team

No meaningful endeavor is achieved alone. "It takes a village," they say. But what if your village is not filled with like-minded and supportive people? 

The way I see it, you're only option is to get around the right people. The right people can make you feel as though anything is possible. They act as a sounding board when things are going according to plan, they'll listen without judgement, encourage you to raise your standards, but most importantly they'll hold you accountable to achieving the things you say you will.

The wrong people can start to become a real drag and project their own insecurities on to you. If you're not careful you'll let that toxicity get to you and even start to share their doubts.

Find your All-Star squad and don't look back. 

Friday, March 3, 2017

Be Kind, but Claim Your Space

I once heard an actor describe working with Hugh Jackman as a perfect example of maintaining on-set balance. His castmate explained how the film and theater star was always thoughtful, kind, and considerate to everyone on set but also had the courage to claim his space. 

In other words, he was polite while still cultivating an environment for himself where he could thrive and best serve the story. 

There's a "sweet spot" in being generous while also being clear about when you just need a moment to yourself. 

You can be nice without being soft. 

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Sometimes All You Need is an Upgrade

The other day I went searching for a new pair of shoes for a TEDx Talk I'll be giving on Tuesday at Bergen Community College. (6 Ways Actors and Artists Can Empower Themselves in a Disempowering Industry)

The "Sale" sign in the front window was encouraging but soon I discovered most of the shoes marked down were not quite my style. The ones I seemed to be eyeing were all full price.

"How about these?" a sales clerk asked. "No thanks. I'm not crazy about the high tops," I told her.

After several minutes of aimlessly pacing back and forth I began to reconsider some of the shoes I'd just deemed "less hip." Moments before I was about to grab a pair of shoes I was less than crazy about, I spotted a pair identical to the ones I had on, just newer.

I ended up buying the shoes which were considerably cheaper than the rest and obviously more my style since I'd bought them several months before.

It dawned on me as I left the shoe store that often times we don't need a new style, or approach. We simply need to upgrade something we already possess.

To the Prospective Artist: Lessons from An Unknown Actor has been published! Be the first to pick up insights and lessons on how to live meaningfully off-stage and enrich the quality of your work on it. Available at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble bookstores!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Look for the Superstars in Your Life

To me the real superstars were people like my friend Jeryl, who'd work a double-shift and then carry her heavy keyboard all the way from lower Manhattan to the Bronx for a performance that started at midnight.

Then there was Maria who worked all day at a law office then made her way to Tribeca after work to perform in a staged reading in a quite bookstore after work. 

These were people forced to bend time, babysit, and teach just to find any way they could to sing, write, act, play, and do what they loved most.

I learned that success was simply improving upon something you loved to do and attainment of the goal wasn't the point but rather who you became in its pursuit.

Find your Jeryl's and Maria's. Find your superstars.