Acting as a Profession: How to Start a Career in Film and TV

1. INTRODUCTION: Hi, everyone, my name is Nick Maccarone and I'm an actor, writer, and teacher. I've had the great privilege of performing in big regional theaters across the country, appearing on popular television shows and was a cast media for ABC and Broadway for several years. I was also a contributing writer to Backstage Magazine. Today, I am very excited to be here with you. This class is for anyone getting ready to pursue a professional career in acting. One of the reasons I put this course together was because when I graduated from drama school a million years ago, there were no resources available on how to navigate one of the most competitive industries in the world. I also didn't feel like the experiences of most Broadway, TV, and movie stars were relatable to everyday actors just trying to find work. As a result, I put together all the lessons that I have learned, not only as an actor, but as a teacher, as a volunteer, writer, speaker, world traveler, and someone who really struggled to find his way. My goal with this class is two-fold. First, I hope to give you some practical tools on how to navigate through an often overwhelming and challenging career. But I also want to offer lessons on finding a more holistic approach to not only being a better actor, but an artist trying to live a more three-dimensional life. My hope is you'll take your career seriously and you're going to work very hard, but not lose sight on the big picture, remembering there's more to life than getting on Law & Order. Together, I'm confident my experiences will shed some light on how to create a career that is both fulfilling, successful, but most importantly meaningful to you, however, you define it. So, let's begin. 2. 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE COMMITTING TO AN MFA PROGRAM: Let's talk about the three things to consider before committing to an MFA program. Pursuing a master of fine arts and theater is not going to be for everyone. It's a very big decision full of different factors that you should consider before investing both the money and the time. Here are a few things to think about before deciding to go to graduate school for acting. Number one the cost. As of this recording, the average financial investment of an MFA in acting is about $100,000. Now that said, for those of you who cannot picture life without a stage, a strong graduate program can offer helpful tools and resources for a serious acting career. Especially one where you guys thing that theater is going to play a big part. But like anything else, you're ultimately going to get out what you put in. Really ask yourself, if you're willing to shoulder lots of student debt to pursue a career filled with challenges, especially the unlikelihood of having a stable income. Number 2, time. Three years can feel like a second or it can feel like an eternity, depending on what you're doing. If you decide to pursue an MFA, you are going to work very hard. Your teachers and your classmates are going to push you beyond your perceived limitations. It's their job after all. If you're lucky enough to have the kind of teachers and wonderful mentors that I had, the most important lessons you guys are going to learn will serve you well beyond the stage. Remember to ask yourself, do you have the interest and the patience in seeing your growth as an actor develop? Can you dig deep every single day and find the courage to be vulnerable, imperfect, and to constantly be critiqued? Now if you can, there can be great rewards in a drama program. Number 3, remember, there are many paths. I want to emphasize that an MFA is not the only road to a successful acting career. If you decide grad school isn't for you, I don't want you to think for a second that you are any less of an actor. I'll tell you a little secret. In fact, it's very unlikely that many of the actors that you admire most didn't go to a fancy drama school. The ones who did, often dropped out after a year, six months, even a few weeks. The question to ask yourself is, what type of learning environment do you thrive in? Now for some people, the rigor and the structure of a conservatory is a perfect fit. But for other people, they get the most out of taking classes and workshops. Ultimately, you have to decide and assess how serious you are about pursuing a professional career as an actor and what path is going to provide the best opportunity to develop your craft. The most important thing to remember is to constantly hone your craft. Just keep getting better. Even after graduating from drama school, I continue taking acting classes for years and years, especially as I transitioned from onstage acting to on-camera acting. You need to stay sharp and find the joy in getting better at something that you love to do. 3. NEW YORK VS LOS ANGELES: Let's go ahead and talk about New York versus Los Angeles. Deciding whether to pursue your acting career in New York or LA will come down to your career goals, but guys it also when it come down to your temperament. You have to ask yourself, which city you feel will give you the best chance of fulfilling your goals as an actor. I've put together a quick list of both pros and cons for each city. First, let's talk about New York, my favorite city in the world. Here are the pros. It's one of the most vibrant, and unique, and exciting cities on the planet. There is an endless stream of inspiration to draw from. New York is also filled with super ambitious and motivated people. People from all over the world come to New York to be the best in their chosen field, whether it's fashion or politics or law. What am I saying? It makes complacency very difficult. You are just motivated to keep up by giving your best effort every single day. There are lots of opportunities as well to hone your craft. They're easy to find. There's always a reading, there's always a workshop, there's always a play, there's always a student film happening somewhere in the city. Because the industry is more concentrated, you can participate in several of those in a single day. New York is also the mecca of theater. You do not have to be on Broadway to be doing interesting work. There are hungry actors all over the city. They are performing in black box theaters, they are performing in makeshift artist spaces. I'm not even kidding guys sometimes are even performing on the subway or across the five boroughs. Finally, because the city is less spread out than Los Angeles, it can be easier to find your tribe. What on earth do I mean by tribe? I mean community. It is all around you for better or for worse. This pains me, but now that I've talked about the pros I have to talk about the cons of the city that I love. As remarkable a city as New York is, everything is just harder, the whether, the pace of life, the cost, the city quite frankly can drain you after a while. Let's talk about what's happening in New York. There are several television shows and films shot in New York, but keep in mind it's ultimately a theater town. New York does not have nearly as much going on in movies and TV as LA. If television is your first love, then you may not be hanging your hat in New York. Next, depending on your goals, you might also start to feel like the industry in you has a ceiling. I mean, you can only be on long so many times. Though there are [inaudible] that are going to be regularly shot in New York, filming here is limited and so are the number of productions which means there's less opportunity. Let's go ahead and talk about Los Angeles. This is a city that I grew to love over time. Let's talk about the pros. As I mentioned, New York pales in comparison to the number of TV and film being shot in LA. If the silver screen is your first love, Los Angeles is likely going to be your best bet. Number 2, I think Los Angeles is a far more interesting city than it gets credit for. In fact, I was just talking about this with a friend. It is a wildly diverse place with lots to do beyond casting calls, but you do need go out look for it. Third, contrary to what some people say, there are actually some very respectable theaters in and around Los Angeles. You've got the Red Cat, you have the Pasadena Playhouse, and you have the Kirk Douglas theater, Culver City. Let's go ahead and talk about the weather. You guys see sunshine behind me, it's a huge plus, it's not a hard sell. Beautiful beaches are not a top sell, but the atmosphere here can lend itself to a healthier mindset. Look, make no mistake about it. If you come to Los Angeles you are going to have to work hard, but I think there's something to be said about a place that makes it a little easier to live, let's say a more well-rounded and holistic lifestyle. Next, you cannot go anywhere and I mean anywhere in Los Angeles without running into an actor, a writer, a producer, or someone who's claiming to be, which can make collaboration very easy. You just have to make sure that you're on game, and that you're surrounding yourself with people who are like-minded, who are productive, and focused just like you. Finally, Los Angeles is home to some of the top film schools in the world. Now, many of these promising students go on to do really big things. But before they're asked for acceptance speeches, they shoot lots of films and those films need actors. That's where establishing relationship early with some promising young directors can come in handy. Let's go ahead and talk about some of the cons, community. There is that word again, simply put, you need car in Los Angeles. I suggest you get a long list of great audio books and podcasts because you and your car are going to become best friends. You're going to be spending a lot of time together. Community exists in Los Angeles, don't make any mistake about it. But unlike New York, it's really up to you to go out and seek it. Next, because Los Angeles is so spread out, it means your auditions will be as well. Now, I've had auditions in Culver City, West Hollywood, and even Brent Witt. Unlike New York where many of your additions are going to be in a seven or eight block radius, you're going to need to allow yourself more time than you think to get to each audition. Like I said, there are also a lot more projects being shot in Los Angeles, but that means there are also a lot more actress. I'll give an example, for a simple breakdown of co-star role can literally receive thousands and thousands of submissions. What does that mean? It means it's really difficult to cut through the noise, unless you have a top tier agency and even then, it's not a guarantee that you're going to be seen. Guys I know this is a lot to consider. Try not to get discouraged. I suggest giving some serious thought to the type of work that you want to pursue as an actor. But I think that, and this is often overlooked. I think you should also consider the quality of life that you want to have when you're not bouncing from one audition to the next. Because remember, where you call home is going to really impact the way you approach your career. If you cannot stand the city that you're living in, the work is not going to be enjoyable. My suggestion is to live and work where you think you're going to be happiest. 4. HEADSHOTS & RESUMES: It is now time to talk headshots and resumes. First thing I want to say, you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for quality headshots these days, there are a lot of photographers in both Los Angeles and New York who are priced competitively. You may also want to consider hiring someone who's just starting out. A photographer who's just trying to break into the market, is very likely to charge you a cheaper rate. Let's talk about the style of headshots. As far as this goes, I have found that there is no universal look for headshot. If you ask 10 people what they think of your new photos, you're going to get 10 very different answers. I would say that the most important thing to remember about headshots, is they should be current and they must look like you. What do I mean? Try and keep your hair in roughly the same style and length as it was when you took the photos and try not to go overboard with touch-ups or outfits that you might not ordinarily wear. Most important thing, is to be consistent. Next, bring out your true, wonderful and authentic self to the set, and a good photographer is going to know how to help you do all of that. Be sure to take a meeting with this photographer, to get a feel for their work ethic and their vibe and how you guys are going to gel when you actually take the photos. Now, it's also a really good idea to have a few shots that represent the types of roles you think you might be going out for. Let's say the young hip dad, for example, or the district attorney shot. So make the job of the casting directors as easy as possible. Let's go ahead and talk about resumes. Obviously, when you are first starting out, you're not going to have a lot of credits, and that is totally fine. The most important thing to have, is a well formatted resume that's easy on the eyes. Let me emphasize this, you do not have to have the credits of a Broadway veteran, but the ones you do have, they should pop and they should be very easy to read. Guys, never, ever lie about your credits. Remember, casting directors and agents, they totally understand that you're not going to have a lot of experience when you're just starting out. It really is the little things that really count and offer perspective agents a glimpse into your organizational skills and how you approach the work. I want you all to feel free to take a look at my old resume, which will be in the class resource section below. 5. TARGETING AGENTS: Okay guys, let's talk about targeting agents. I know this is a really big one for a lot of you. First thing, I want to emphasize, you do not necessarily need representation to have a fulfilling and rewarding career as an actor. In fact, I know lots of wonderful actors in New York and Los Angeles who create really compelling, really interesting work on their own. That said, seeking representation and signing with a solid agent can help a lot. Before you target an agency, it's very important to do your homework, right? You want to do your due diligence. I have a series of questions that I think that you should consider. First, ask yourself what agencies have clients that are like you? That have your "type". How big is the agency that you're looking at? And what is that agency known for, right? You want to ask, are they primarily a commercial agency? Are they primarily television agency, a theatrical one? This is super important. You want to know if they're organized. I know that's really easy to gloss over, but it's actually really important. Are they a legitimate agency? Next, what are the stipulations of the contract that you are signing? You want to be very, very well-versed in the regulations of what you're committing to. Be careful. The last thing you guys want is to be locked into a contract with an agent that you are not happy with. It's a nightmare to get out of and unfortunately, I've seen this happen many times. It's also important that the agency has your best interests at heart and that your core values and your goals as an actor are in alignment. Do you feel like the agency you're looking at is also invested in you and the success of your career? Again, super easy to gloss over, but something you really want to take the time to look into you. Do you know anyone else that's represented by this agency? If so, go take him out for a cup of coffee, pick their brain. Are they happy with the agency? Are they getting out a lot? Final, do not feel like you have to be with the big-name agencies. Just because they're well known doesn't mean they are a right fit for you. Keep in mind, in big-name agencies, it's really easy to get lost in the shelf. In fact, that happened to me. Smaller to mid-size agencies have plenty of benefits, especially if you're just starting off in your career. If you're able to book a meeting with an agent, be sure to follow up with a postcard. You want that postcard to have an image of you on the cover so that they remember who you are. Say a couple of words about how it was great to meet them. You can also follow up in the preceding weeks, but guys, I would tread very lightly on this, you don't want to write them too often. Make sure that your correspondence has a point, namely to inform them about the exciting projects that you're working on. Years ago, and I'm embarrassed to admit this, I made the mistake of being way too aggressive with the prospective agent, totally scared them away, and it was a mistake that I said I'm never going to repeat. Don't be like me, don't repeat my mistake. Don't be overly aggressive. Makes sure that your correspondence is well-researched and has a purpose. 6. 5 TIPS FOR AUDITIONING: It's time to discuss auditioning. I have five tips for you. Now, this is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. Not only have I been to countless auditions as an actor, but as I mentioned, I spent several years as a casting reader for Broadway, ABC, and The CW. I was that actor you read with when you came in to audition for a part. To be totally honest with you, I probably learned more from being a casting reader than anything else. Now, here are a few tips that I learned from the other side of the table. The first role is make the part your own. Casting directors see tons of actors reading for the same part, and they want someone who understands how to tell the story on the page. Over the years, I saw dozens of actors read the way they thought the casting director wanted them to read the role. It was the actors who came in with bold choices and a point of view that really stood out even if it's not the "right choice". Number 2, everyone gets nervous. I was lucky enough to read opposite A-list movie star and Tony Award-winning actors, and what I discovered was really interesting. No matter how famous or successful the actor, everyone still gets nervous before an audition. As you rise in your career, you never not have problems. You just trade your old problems in or a set of new ones. If you feel some jitters before giving an audition, just know that you guys are in very, very good company. Number 3, trust that you are where you belong. What on earth do I mean by that? I saw many actors so surprised over being called in; they let their insecurity overshadow the quality of the work. On the other hand, the season actors, they knew that they had been asked to read for a reason, and they master the ability to be kind while also claiming their space. They won't shy about delivering a terrific audition. If you have been called into an audition, it's really important that you trust that someone sees something in you, even, even, even, even if you don't see in yourself. So you are where you belong, have faith that you've earned the right to read for that part, that you were in that room for a purpose. Number 4, remember casting directors want you to succeed. Let me ask you as a question. Have you ever been to a show or a film and say, "Gosh, I hope everyone is awful and completely waste my time?" I didn't think so. Casting directors they don't think any differently. Remember, casting directors are on your side, they want you to be the answer to their problem, so it really helps to think of them as allies. Guys, this is a big one that's fundamentally changed the way that I started auditioning. Number 5, know your life does not depend on getting the part. This would've saved me so much aggravation over the years. There is more to life than agonizing over an audition. If you learn that early on, it's going to put years back on your life. Give the best audition possible, and then leave it at the door and go about your day. You can want something without needing it. Casting directors can sense desperation, and it is not attractive. Number 6, treat others the way you'd like to be treated. It's the golden rule, I know, but you'd be surprised how often people forget. Be kind to everyone, from the security guard to the head casting director. You can be the most talented actor in the world, but if you are a pain in the butt to work with, word is going to travel fast, trust me. There is simply too much talent in the world to hire someone that's difficult to get along with or worse, who isn't grateful. As I like to say, be good and do good. Keep in mind, there are dozens and dozens of people who would love the opportunity to audition for the part you are going in for. 7. 5 WAYS TO LET GO OF AN AUDITION: Okay, now that we've talked about five tips on auditioning. We need to talk about five ways to let go of an audition. Take a breath guys. Yes, it's going to be okay. This will save you strife, and getting in your head about all the things that you could have done differently. Guys, it's a waste of time, take it from me, let it go. Number 1, toss the sides. I learned this trick from actor Michael B. Jordan. After an audition, whether it was good or bad, he would just toss the sides. There was no visual reminder of the event. Do not beat yourself up. Don't start the dialogue of should have, would have, could have, it's a dead end. Just put your best foot out there, and then move on. Move on with your life. Number 2, do something completely different from acting. Yeah, I said it. Go out and do something else. Take a walk, grab a cup of coffee, with a good friend, go to a museum, wander through a park. Time away from your hustle will remind mind you, there is more to life than impressing a casting directory. Yes, it's true, and the more experiences you accumulate, the more you have to draw from as an actor. It's a win-win. In my own life, having all kinds of different experiences made me a much better and more fulfilled storyteller. Number 3, go out and see a performance. Go back and check out a high-school, college or community theater production. See the passion that comes from acting. Some people doing it because they love it. Let them remind you why you wanted to be an actor in the first place. How easy we forget those things. Go out, get some perspective. Number 4, take time to volunteer. One of the best ways to stop dwelling on your problems is to help someone with theirs. When your of service to your community, you develop a clearer sense of the big picture. Just lend a hand at a shelter, sign up to be a tutor. There are plenty of people who can really benefit from your knowledge, from your skill set, from what you already know. Number 5, focus on what you already have. Your career may not be going exactly the way you thought it would and that's okay. But getting the chance to pursue what you love means that you're living a rear kind of life. Quite frankly, chasing your dreams is not something that a lot of people do. In a sense, you're already winning, you've already won. Do whatever you do that you need to do to remind yourself that you're already pursuing something special. 8. THE VALUE OF FAILURE: Now it's time to discuss the value of failure. I know people don't like to talk about this, but it's very important. Failure is a fundamental part of success. In this industry in particular, it is a constant. So it's really important to learn to reframe setbacks in a productive and helpful way. Now what I've learned as an actor is you cannot take failure personally. There are just so many variables that are out of your control. You're not tall enough, you're too tall, your eyes aren't blue, they're too blue, you're too short and on and on and on. I mean, what are you supposed to do with all that, right? So trying to internalize and dissect every single thing you think went wrong will drive you crazy. Look at failure as an opportunity to learn to grow, to learn to find other ways to get or redefine what it is you want. Think of resilience as a muscle. The more you put yourself out there, the less you're bothered by failure when it occurs. Your recovery time also speeds up, which will help you bounce back and keep moving. 9. DON'T WAIT, CREATE: Now, I want to talk about the importance of creating your own opportunities. This is a big one, or at least it was for me. What makes this industry so challenging is you can be the most talented, the hardest working, the most marketable, and the kindest person on the planet, and still not see progress in your career. Super frustrating. The thing is too many actors wait for the phone to ring for the perfect part. Now, it may happen, but it's very unlikely. In the meantime, why not create your own opportunities? I can hear you saying, ''I can't do that.'' You absolutely can. The modern day actor has to be a three dimensional force. I'm talking writing, acting, producing. This is how you can set yourself apart, guys, because the more good work you put out there, the more people want to work with you. Here are three ways you can create your own opportunities. Number 1, go out and pick up a pen. Remember those little things? If you don't think you're a writer, I'm going to push back on that. I'm going to challenge you. Roughly 18 billion texts are sent out around the world every single day, and we write nearly 15 times that in the form of email. Now, I am not saying that your tweets, or your texts are going to make the next great screenplay. Mine certainly are, but what I am saying is, you're always communicating through writing. What if you took that same need to connect with others, and you use it as a way to share your unique and authentic voice. Now, today there are countless ways to be heard. You can start a blog, you can write an article, you can write a short story, or even a book. As an actor, you can write sketches, you can write scenes, short films, plays, and features, and if you don't have the resources to buy equipment yet, or know anyone with a camera, you can start by filming on your phone. The important thing, please remember this, is to just start. Number 2, build that momentum. This took me years to figure out, but I finally decided to do something about the lack of roles coming my way. One afternoon, I sat my butt in front of my computer and I started writing, and I wrote what would become my first short film. Now, I'm not going to lie to you, it was not a great movie, but it led to two more short films, and I'm now in pre-production for a feature film that I wrote, and plan to star in. This is the whole point of this. This all happened in just a few short years. I learned that momentum is a powerful force. Momentum begets more momentum. Now, beginning a project, and actually seeing it through builds confidence as well. Writing that play, or that short film will no longer feel unreachable because you've done it. You have proof that you have what it takes to create something authentically and uniquely yours. I want you to remember to also pace yourself. Focus on growth and not outcomes. Fall in love with your craft rather than seeking validation. Number 3, build a tribe. What do I mean? Go out there and form a group of like-minded actors who you can collaborate with and bounce ideas off. Actors that are going to raise your game. You want to surround yourself with people that will hold you accountable to finishing what you said you're going to begin, and will lend a supportive ear when things get tough because they absolutely will. Creating this modern day camp fire, as I like to say, can be a valuable resource for the actor who needs to be reminded the work she's doing matters. 10. 3 WAYS TO WRITE CONSISTENTLY: Okay, now that we've talked about the importance of creating and writing your own work. It's important to talk about writing consistently. Number 1, don't wait for inspiration. This took me a long time to figure out. You cannot simply wait around for some divine revelation to strike, you have to strike first, and you have to write whether you feel like it or not. Here's the key, you have to be consistent. This means falling madly in love with failure, being able to stomach your work not being great, and setting a time every single day when you write without distraction, that's a big one. The better you become at creating these environments where you can thrive, the better your chances are of success. You can also implement a writing routine. This has really worked for me guys. Maybe you write every day from 6:00 AM to 06:30 AM for the rest of the world or at least your roommates wake up, before all hell breaks loose. Remember you can write until you've written 500 words or maybe it's a 1,000, whatever the case, setting a goal can help immensely. Constraints inspire creativity. It's that structure that actually gives you that flexibility. Number 2, don't be discouraged by the criticism of others, forget them. The playwright Edward Albee once told a critic, "I didn't stop writing because you didn't like it." If you are writing consistently, chances are the work is not always going to be great. In fact, let's be honest, a lot of it is going to be pretty bad. The key is to not let that stop you. Remember David Mamet once said, "You got to stand being bad if you want to be a good writer because if you don't, you're never going to write anything good." I think that's so wise and so well said. Remember, one of the greatest obstacles to becoming great at your craft is the inability to stomach criticism, and tolerate something not been great or perfect. This is the key, to appreciate that the road to improvement, that the road to getting better is long, and it's fleeting, but you can only get there if you keep going. Number 3, I love this topic. Setting up small wins. Discipline yourself to think better than you feel. What do I mean by that? Look, you might write 5 sentences one day and then 2 the next. But rather than criticizing yourself for not being Shakespeare, you can honor the effort. If you feel like you're in this perpetual state of frustration or aggravation, it's very likely that your expectations are a little too high. I would advise not being afraid to lower the bar and to redefine what success looks like especially when you're first starting out. Be flexible. If you've sat down, and you've written anything, you can tally that up as a win for the day. Then you can gradually build from there. I know this all too well when we are frustrated we often surrender too quickly. We go to e-mail, we go to texts, we go to Facebook. But it takes courage to sit with something, especially when it's not going well, and over time that courage is going to evolve into grip. Whether we write one word or a 1,000, focusing on being proactive, regardless of how significant the output, is a fundamental part of writing consistently. So remember, just get started. 11. 2 TIPS TO WRITE BETTER STORIES: [MUSIC] Now that we've covered writing consistently, I want to offer a few quick words on how to improve the quality of what you write. Now, what I have learned is that there is no one way to write, but I have discovered two simple ways of writing consistently solid content that have worked for me and may for you as well. [MUSIC] Number one, try writing by hand first. Now, just like traveling to a foreign place can feel more intimate by train or by bus, punching a keyboard often feels more like exploring by plane. Yes, you discover something new from a far, but you don't really gain a sense of the true landscape of a place. Similarly, and at least for me, there is something about putting pen to paper that makes the work feel more alive. It also turns out that writing by hand can be good for unlocking your creativity. Writing demands that we use more of our motor skills, which activates more of your brain. There are actually lots of benefits. Lastly, holding a pen is like holding a paintbrush, right paper being your canvas. I know that sounds a little bit hokey, but unlike typing where everybody's characters look exactly the same, writing by hand allows you to take note of your uniqueness, your authenticity, and as a result, writing start to feel more like an outlet, a form of expression, an art form. [MUSIC] Number two, try sitting on it for a day. Now, what on earth do I mean? You would be amazed at how much you work and improve if you just distance yourself from it. Taking time off replenishes your energy. When you take a step back from a project, your reflective time allows you to come up with solutions and creative breakthroughs. Just think about all the amazing ideas that you've had for films, or startups, or companies in the shower, while taking a walk. I absolutely love what writer Anne Lamott says about taking a step back from your work. She says, "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." I just think that's priceless, and it's so true. Remember, by taking a break from your writing, you can return to it with more patience, more objectivity, and even more resilience and you can start to see with greater clarity what is and what isn't working so well. It helps flesh out the ideas. Distance is also a really great way for you to ask better questions and to correct mistakes that now seem obvious. 12. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: Okay, I want to take just a moment to talk about the importance of taking care of yourself. This goes without saying, but prioritize your self-care. You're no good to anyone, least of all yourself if you're not at your best. What does this mean? This means getting plenty of rest, this means making smart choices about what you eat, surrounding yourself with people who support you, avoiding toxicity whenever possible, reading great books, and allowing space to think and not being run by the priorities of others. There are so many ups and downs in this industry, so it's crucial you are emotionally, mentally, and physically as sound and flexible as possible so you can deal with those uncertainties. Now, one of the ways you can do this is to make a list of your core values, and then make sure that your actions are in line with them. It's also really important to master the art of saying, no, this is incredibly important. If you're saying yes to something you're not really interested in, then you're ultimately saying no to something that could be a much better, and quite frankly more fun opportunity for you. Finally, deciding where you invest your energy is so important. Are you taking party gossip? Are you watching mindless entertainment? Are you more focused on the lives of celebrities, or other, people? All of this time really adds up and it pulls you away from your creative work. Guard your mind and manage yourself effectively. Create environments that can help you be most productive and most creative. 13. FOCUS ON WHAT'S IN YOUR CONTROL: Okay, let's take a minute to focus on what's in your control, and the truth is, there are so many variables that we don't have control over. That's true in life, but it's especially true in this industry. Now instead of being frustrated by that, you can be liberated by that reality, this will allow you to focus more on what you really can take ownership of, which are the following. Number 1, your work ethic, how hard you work on getting better at your craft, and creating meaningful work is completely within your control. Number 2, your attitude, choosing to not take failure personally. Remember, we talked about that way back when? Or to let setbacks keep you down, remember how you interpret information is ultimately up to you. Finally, you have control over the types of projects you decide to take on, and this is another reason why I'm going to encourage you guys once again to start creating your own work as soon as possible. Do not wait for that magic part to fall on your lap because it's incredibly unlikely that that's going to happen. 14. THE 6 NON ACTING PRINCIPLES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR ACTING STRONGER: Now that we've covered a lot of the nuts and bolts of getting started in the industry, I want to share some lessons I've learned that go beyond the costume room. Lessons that I hope are going to offer a little comfort in those times when we're frustrated and it's really easy to lose perspective. These are just a few tips that have helped me not only become a better artist, but have made me happier and added value to my life. The first one is the importance of lifelong learning. Now, for years guys, I read nothing but plays and scripts. Quite frankly, I was a one-dimensional person. But eventually I learned the importance of broadening my knowledge, and I started reading about history. I started reading about philosophy, psychology, science, finance and leadership. Here's the thing, the more I learned, the more I felt inspired to live a richer life, and acting alone no longer defined me, and I refused to equate my self-worth with an audition. Number 2, travel. There is nothing like visiting a foreign country, but you do not need a passport to reap the benefits of visiting a new place. Take a walk through a park, explore a different neighborhood. Each place near or far, has the potential to offer you a chance to challenge the assumptions you hold about the world, about people and even yourself. The beauty of travel is it reminds you of the importance of following your curiosity in protecting what I like to call your inner tourist. Number 3, service. Whether you're serving food at a homeless shelter or your tutoring in an after-school program, society works best when we all help each other out a little bit. Now, it was while volunteering, that I discovered there's always going to be someone in the world who has it worse off, and that helping people help themselves gives integrity to your ambition. Most importantly, lending a hand adds a sense of perspective. Now, one of the best ways to lessen your own problems, is to help someone with there's. Now, when you recognize the influence you can have by serving others, suddenly not getting that callback is not a big deal and it's much easier to let it go. Number 4, define success on your own terms. This is a big one, at least it was for me. In an industry that tells you movie star or bust, it's really important to define what's making it means for you. Now, personally, the real superstars in my life are friends who had full-time jobs, who still found time to sing, and to write, and to act, and to speak in public. I learned that true success is becoming great at something that you love to do. An attainment of your goal is not the point, but rather who you become in its pursuit. Recognize your accomplishments. You may be overlooking the fact that you're already living the dream. Number 5, I know we've talked about this a lot, but it's so important, create your own opportunities. Don't wait for the perfect part guys because it's not going to fall in your lap. With the remarkable technology available for you at your fingertips, you have no excuse to not get started. Today, all you need is a smartphone and an idea. Go out there and get your voice out into the world. Do not get fixated on the number of hits or followers you receive, instead, try focusing on the satisfaction you'll get from starting and finishing something that you created. You have to do it for yourself first. Finally, allow for change. What you want at 20 will be different than what you want at 40, and that's okay. It doesn't mean you've quit a dream, it just means you've evolved and what you value most in life has changed too. Great opportunities often come our way if we're open enough to identify them. This means being flexible and not being too rigid with how we think our lives and careers are supposed to go. I want to encourage you guys to keep an open mind to new answers, to new possibilities and new ideas. 15. CONCLUSION: You made it, congratulations. Now we have covered a lot of ground here, but remember none none these lessons mean anything unless you apply them. As one of my favorite writers, James Clear likes to say, ''You can borrow knowledge but not action." This is what I suggest. Start off by just taking one idea that resonate with you and then begin integrating it into your day and then just simply build from there. I know very well that the life of an actor is a challenging one, but it can also be a deeply rewarding one. When things get tough and they will rest assured. Just remember what you do matters. We have been telling stories throughout human history and we tell them because they inform us about the people who came before, how they thought and wrestle with the same questions that we do today. Stories are an integral part of what it means to be human. Now for as long as we've been around, stories have been the way that we entertain, that we pass on rituals and ideas and lessons. Now you are a part of that very special tradition. Thank you guys so much for joining me for this class. I hope you found the lessons valuable and I wish you all incredible success on your journey. However, you define it.