I’ve just finished working at Ealing Film Studios, learning how to be a film actor, or at least polishing up my presentation skills. And very interesting it was too. As always my thoughts are now drifting to the question, ‘How can I use what I have learnt in everyday life, and in my work with clients?’
Mr Shakespeare had a few thoughts on this subject too.
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man (I’m sure he meant to include women too!) in his time plays many parts,
Indeed we do play many parts, and usually not very well either. This is because we are trying to impress others, fool ourselves, or because we don’t even know what part we want to play.
The one overarching secret I learnt last month is that if you want to be a good actor you have to strip away every self-limiting belief, inhibition, and be prepared to bare your soul in public. Not surprisingly few people can do this, and so I now have a much greater respect for those who can. Real life is not much different, especially for those who are professional athletes, therapists, and others who work in the public arena.
Auditions are not too different either. Actors turn up, read a few lines, and are usually rejected. They go home, get over it, and turn up the next day to try again. Not surprisingly sooner or later they have had enough, and find a sensible job.
Successful actors have a slightly different take on this. They see rejection as a simple statement that for some reason the part was not right for them, and remain buoyed for their next opportunity. On occasions, perhaps months later, the same casting producer will call them with a part that is perfect for them.
These actors also know the importance of process, controlling what you can (very little), and pouring all of your attention in one direction, outwards, to the camera, other actors, the director, or even a spot on the wall. Attention is never inwards, as this is the best way to block flow and not find the zone.
Is it possible that these secrets could apply in your life too? It just might be worth thinking about, and permitting your mind to explore, and dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
Let me know what you think.
