You're in Good Company

As a casting reader I had the good fortune of performing opposite A-list movie stars and Tony-Award Winning actors. There were times I had to pinch myself as I read opposite actors I’d long admired.

Surprisingly, the most poignant lesson I took away was not about acting at all. What I discovered was no matter how successful the storyteller, nobody is beyond getting a little nervous.

Pre-show jitters are an integral part of this industry whoever you are. The only difference is these particular actors didn’t let it stop them from sharing their voice or claiming the real estate they needed to deliver their best audition.

Remember, your challenges don’t suddenly dissipate the higher you rise. You simply trade your old problems for a set of new ones.

So if you get a little nervous before the words, “Whenever you’re ready,” rest assured you’re in good company.

It's Just As Important to Know Who You Don't Want to Become

I've been very lucky throughout my life. I had the great fortune of being raised by two terrific parents, growing in an open-minded community, making great friends, and seeing much of the world. The remarkable people in my life have really made my life worth living. I could go on and on about all the qualities I admire about them. They're trustworthy, ambitious, kind, funny, resilient, and have lots of integrity.

But I've also learned how they, like all of us, can get in their own way. We're all deeply flawed people living a flawed life. Our job is to try and be better than we were the day before. And I say this respectfully, but you can learn a great deal from your inner circle about the qualities and tendencies you'd also like to avoid. 

From watching the people I most love and admire I've learned I want to cultivate a greater sense of patience. I don't want to end each day watching mindless television. I want to continue to work on myself and eat well. I don't want sports to be the only topic of discussion. And I don't want to ever be late for an appointment.

Take a closer look at the people you appreciate and take into consideration both the positive and not so positive qualities you can strive towards and weave around. 

It's just as important to know who you don't want to become as it is who you do. 

What Do You Think?

Over the years I've had the great fortune of working as a casting reader for some very successful and famous artists of both Broadway and the silver screen. 

I remember one project in particular when I was helping out a very well-known and talented director. More importantly, she was also one of the warmest and most thoughtful people I'd ever met.

One afternoon, she asked me what I thought about the music arrangement in her play. Mind you, this production was about to appear on Broadway. I remember being very taken aback by the fact she valued what I had to say. And it wasn't because I didn't feel I had anything important to offer, but because she had a very seasoned and intelligent brain trust at her disposal. Nonetheless, she wanted to know what I thought.

I shared my opinion and could tell she really took them into consideration. It was a remarkable lesson in both humility and in understanding no matter how big you get, you can still be thoughtful, and appreciate that everyone has something worth to contributing.