Years ago I participated in a summer acting program called the Training Congress at A.C.T. in San Francisco. The 9-week course was an introduction to what a 3-year MFA program might look like.
There were between 60 - 70 young actors divided up into groups noted by color. I was in the Red Group led by an American actor who'd flown in from Rome where he was living.
For weeks we studied voice, Shakespeare, and the Greeks. We critiqued one another's scenes, learned how to break down a scene, and got some helpful tips on auditioning. By the end, I was ready to start applying for the real deal.
On the last day of class I strolled up to my teacher as he wrapped up speaking to a classmate. I remember it clear as day as we stood on the roof of 30 Grant Street with a clear view of downtown San Francisco.
"I'm thinking of applying to MFA programs in the fall. Any advice?" I asked. He thought it over for what seemed like hours before saying, "You have to work a lot harder." I remember being both surprised and embarrassed by his observation. I felt my stomach tighten suddenly compelled to defend myself. But the truth was he was right.
From that point on I promised myself nobody would ever be able to say that to me again. And not just as an actor but in every arena of my life.
I grew to be comfortable with failure as long as I could comfortably walk away and say I'd given it absolutely everything I had.
Since that day I've been able to say as much and it's made all the difference.
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