Could it really be that simple? Is treating people kindly and respectfully REALLY that important and powerful? In teaching, coaching and acting I have to say 'yes.' I tell my actors that some auditions can hinge or swing based on a simple smile, a genuine 'thank you' or even asking to use a chair. They think I'm over-exaggerating this point on having a positive personality and I tell them that there are more actors that come in to the audition room with grimaces, gripes and grumpy demeanors than those who come in with grins, grace and great attitudes. How you carry yourself really does matter.
So after the conversation on Twitter continued into the night one of the participants; actor, teacher and blogger extraordinaire David S. Hogan was inspired to share his thoughts on personality. David is an extremely articulate writer and I urge anyone to keep up with his work here. So when I had a chance to read his Personality 101 post, I knew it was a perfect time to invite my first BHStudios guest blogger. David has been working as an actor on stage and film since 2000 and most recently made his network television debut in April 2012 on NBC's Grimm. I am so honored to have him share his insight as BHStudios' first guest blogger. The following is David's brilliant and well-timed thoughts on the 4th P of Professionalism: PERSONALITY.
-Ben Hodge
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Personality 101
-David S. Hogan
It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?
When you are auditioning, be nice. Be professional. Treat others how you wish to be treated, and such. Treat EVERYONE nicely. Not just the CD and everyone in the audition room. EVERYONE. I am willing to bet that you (we) are being judged…sized up…analyzed…critiqued…typed…etc., from the moment we walk into the office/theater. Accept this as true, and act (behave) accordingly. Sure, you might be nervous…afraid…and contemplating running straight back to your car, but rise above your nerves (fear), take off the mask of self-importance, and interact with civility. We need more of that as a general rule around here, so, please, for the sake of your fellow actors and the people who play a big part in your career, don’t be a jerk.
Now, I know. I know. It can be challenging to be kind, nice, friendly, etc. at all times. Especially when you have been to the casting office 6 times in a given year and the casting office is 160 miles from home. One way. Ugh. You’ve made it to callbacks 5 out of 6 times, and during the “producer session” (well, I think that is what it’s called) or the callback, the dudes in the corner with their arms folded kind of look like they would rather be anywhere else than in the room watching your blooming audition. Yes. It happens. This experience is not unique. Rise above. Don’t take it personally. Smile. Nod. Greet them before you start and say thanks as you leave. Why not? It’s simple, and makes you appear easy to work with.
Let your inner child come out and PLAY!
Be yourself. Or, the best version of you. Enjoy yourself and the process. You are an actor and you have been called in to audition. You enjoy acting – you love it, I am guessing – so remember that and reazlie that you have an opportunity to do what you love. An audition is YOUR CHANCE to ply your craft, share your gifts, interpret a script, etc. You love this, yes? Good! So, bask in that feeling and let that come out of you during your time in the casting offices. Yes, there is pressure. But, share the joy, not the pressure.
If you keep things in perspective, take nothing for granted, and remember why you are where you are, then you won’t be acting like a jerk. People remember jerks. And, most of the time, jerks don’t get get the job. Be remembered for your work. And your attitude – your positive attitude. Be nice.
I recall a radio interview with a American woman who went to France to raise her children. She wrote a book about the cultural difference she found in parenting. One thing I found wonderfully striking about her experience was that, in France, children are taught to say Bonjour or “hello” to everyone they meet. Everyone. This “forced friendliness,” to me, points to an effort or a philosophy which encourages children to respectfully acknowlede the existence of others. In this, our sometime mad, mad world, where we plug in, tune out, and are afraid to make eye-contact with each other, perhaps a smile and a hello is just what your fellow actors and casting office people need. Go ahead. Surprise them. Surprise yourself.
Don’t be a jerk.
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Ohhhhhh... so, so true. As an actor who self produces, I try to remind actors that being reliable and nice (aka: not a jerk-face) makes a huge impact, and the opposite of that doesn't go unnoticed. I think this extends past having a positive attitude - I often see jerk-itudes (jerk attitudes!) with regard to keeping commitments and accepting/declining offers.
ReplyDeleteI produce a monthly musical reading event, and you'd be surprised at the number of actors who bail out at the last minute, even though they know that the loss of an actor at a reading is a very big deal. They think that if they simply have a good reason that they are absolved, and are shocked and offended when the reason is not accepted favorably.
In this industry, you never know who you are letting down or disappointing with your jerk-dom. I do understand that things come up and people need to get out of their commitments, and I have a robust understudy system to cover our group in situations when conflicts arise. What people fail to realize is that producers talk to one another for casting advisement - I can't in good conscience give positive referrals for actors who aren't reliable and then make ME feel bad when I'm unhappy with their decision. Keeping commitments, putting on a happy face, being respectful -- it's all a part of a successful career as an actor (or really any career!)
Thanks, Ben and David, for an enlightening conversation!
Thanks Erin for joining in and adding some wonderful insight. You are spot on with your comments about people bailing out in the last minute. Obviously, sometimes that is understood, but more often than not it comes down to what you adequately call "jerk-i-tude." It's amazing how many of us talk to other creatives about referrals etc. and I know that many of my young actors don't often realize this until after the fact. I hope my young actors learn from your wise post here. People do talk. Creatives DO share information GOOD AND BAD about prior knowledge of performers. I think also many fall into the trap of the diva mentality ("diva-tude?") thinking that 'well, my performance is always good, so that will get me through." I've found that not to be the case. Thanks again for your well-timed comment and for joining ours!
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