I AM an Actor.

The phrase "I'm trying to be an Actor," is oft heard when talking to people outside our field. It is a large symptom of the undervaluing of our profession, that we ourselves perpetuate. We are trying to get fairly paid jobs, we are trying to book auditions, we are trying to pay our rent on time, but what we definitely ARE is Actors.

As time goes on since graduating from the William Esper Studio, a distinct change in how I perceive myself has occurred. I've finally started to take ownership of myself and my career and am confidently able to say that I AM an Actor. This is no small feat, it's taken at least two years and a few kind reprimands from people I consider mentors and respected colleagues, to break this habit.

Why is it so important? It takes the pressure off us and our existence, we simply are Actors by existing and doing, and playing, there is no trying to be who we are, we just are. By adding 'trying,' to it, we add an element of success or failure that is both unhealthy and unproductive. It means we are constantly questioning what it is to successfully be an actor rather than spending that much needed mental energy actually doing what we love, or as is often the case doing the administrative tasks that lead up to that point.

Just like when we are acting, we are not trying to do any particular activity, we just do it, and live truthfully through it letting it take us wherever we need to go. There is no need to try to be an actor, you have studied, worked and honed your skills, so call yourself by your title. Actor. Nobody says that they are trying to be a dentist or a lawyer, they have put hard work into those professions and Acting deserves that same level of respect.

So when someone says what do you do? Challenge yourself to say 'I AM an Actor', because it's true and there is no need for doubt or judgment.

Dreaming the Impossible Dream - Even in Highschool we are still Actors