What it really means to be an actor.

These reflections are intended for my acting students, for those aspiring to become actors, and for the many talented professional actors who cannot yet see the end of this challenging COVID-19 period. You will return to your work, and I hope that with this return comes a renewed appreciation for the essential role of art in all its magnificent forms to comfort, inspire, and educate the human spirit. Thank you. Your work is incredibly important.

Although I spent almost 30 years in the performing arts industry as an actress, it wasn't until I transitioned into coaching and supporting actors' wellbeing and skillset that I could truly use my experience, with the benefit of hindsight, to understand what it means to pursue this vocation. From my perspective, acting is a highly noble, essential, and vital role in the fabric of our societies. Acting offers a chance for connection. As humans, we are inherently designed for connection. Our minds instinctively seek connection as a means of survival.

An actor is a voice for the voiceless, feels and conveys the emotions for the numbed and truly does, to quote William Shakespeare; "hold, as t’were, the mirror up to nature".

Many people believe that being an actor is all about winning an Oscar, gaining fame, having interviews and photo shoots, and getting a spot on Graham Norton’s sofa! However, this represents only 1% of all actors and is just the visible part of the acting world. Beneath the surface, there are numerous talented actors who consistently work hard on their craft, their business, and themselves. These actors might never win an Oscar or sit on Mr. Norton’s sofa, yet they remain some of the most resilient, empathetic, knowledgeable, funny, patient, and passionate individuals you could ever hope to meet.

So what do you need to be a great actor?

It all begins with talent.

If talent is defined as 'having a unique natural ability,' then this is what an actor possesses...

An open-minded and curious approach to life, being an avid reader with a broad knowledge across various subjects.

An empathy that exceeds the average person's, as they constantly observe human behavior to gain a deeper understanding of others, often asking themselves, “what if I were in their position?”

An unyielding journey of honest self-exploration to understand the diverse behaviors within themselves, from the appealing and vibrant aspects to the darker, less desirable ones. By connecting with their own truth, they can connect with a character's truth, enabling the audience to connect with them.

Emotionally available and intelligent, they have taken steps to support their healing, mental and emotional health, and personal well-being.

They possess a sound body that is flexible, healthy, responsive, and free. They are fully attuned to listening and trusting their body's gut feelings, heart-opening, and intuitive wisdom.

They have an imagination capable of creating something from nothing, an innate connection to their senses, and a strong ability to focus while living in the present moment. They are comfortable with being temporarily uncomfortable.

They are financially savvy and stable because they must be. They have developed their own sense of security while remaining adaptable enough to audition and take on acting roles at a moment's notice. They operate as the CEO of their own business. They are entrepreneurs and among the most hardworking individuals you could encounter. With a diverse and high skill set, they understand what it means to be an artist in a world where art is not supported but always in demand.

They possess all this talent and, above all, an unwavering passion to act.

Unwavering in the face of endless rejections and sacrifices. Unwavering because they have cultivated patience, persistence, resilience, and determination, all for what purpose?

To pursue the fundamental dream of making someone laugh, making someone cry, or simply making someone feel they are not alone in this vast world.

Saving the arts is not merely about providing financial support to struggling actors; it’s about preserving a vital sector crucial for wellbeing, social understanding, relatability, inspiration, and joy for EVERYONE!

And to all the actors or acting students, I leave you with this...

If you have dedicated time, energy, and money to becoming a great actor, you have invested in a deeper understanding of yourself and humanity. If everyone made that investment, I believe the world would be a much more accepting and empathetic place.

Thank you.

Love,

Rebecca x

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Movement Director for theatre in London, New York City and Los Angeles. Intimacy Co-ordinator for theatre in London, New York City and Los Angeles. Acting Coach Online for private coaching and groups. Acting and embodiment workshops and classes - Online, in London and Los Angeles.Movement Coach for actors in Film, TV and Theatre.