Perfection Points PART 1: The Illusion of Perfection

We've all fallen for the trap of perfection.  Trying to fit in.  Attempting to be flawless, without fault...perfect.  Many of us adjust, change, search for any or all ways of achieving perfection.  We believe that it is possible to be perfect and come to expect it more often than not.  We expect it in others.  We are bombarded with images of perfection from the media and entertainment industry.  We see final, clean, crisp products.  We see airbrushed, edited and smooth final clips and cuts.  We see perfection.  What we don't see is the time, effort and work that goes into that perceived "perfection" in front of us.  We don't see the failure, the falling down, the forgetting.  

Perhaps that is why so many of us are afraid or overwhelmed with perfection.  We forget that it is okay to fail.  We forget that it is okay to flub up once in a while.  We forget that we fall down.  We forget that we can...well, forget.  

What if we really started to look at perfection differently?  What if we really started to understand that it is more of an illusion rather than reality?  What if we were all okay with being truly authentic and real?  Over the next few weeks, BHStudios blog will focus on some of these questions and other issues regarding perfection.

For this series, I have reached out to two wonderfully talented people to help: Wonder Russell and Jennifer Fontaine.  These two women have graciously accepted the challenge of addressing this important issue.  They bring years of experience and expertise in the world of acting, writing, production and life itself.  Through a series of four posts, we hope to unravel the myths of perfection, provide practical ways of dealing with reality of work and success, and share first-hand experiences with perfection and imperfection.

Part 1: The Illusion of Perfection

Part 2:  It's the Process, not the Perfect Result

Part 3:  Learn to be Patient, Not Perfect

Part 4:  Embrace Passion and Professionalism (Discard Perfection)

We hope you enjoy this series, and encourage you all to join the conversation in the comment sections of each blog and on Twitter:

@benhodgestudios
@bellawonder
@jen_fontaine
#perfectionpoints  

                                                                          -BH

PART 1:  The Illusion of Perfection
By: Wonder Russell

First, let's clear up a misconception with something you may have once heard but forgot: no one is perfect. Thank God. Isn't that a relief?

Take a look at the world around you, and an honest assessment of the people you know. "Perfection" is perception rather than fact. The very concept of perfection is rooted in our insecurity - the fear that someone, somewhere, is better than us.

Oh boy. That's a sticky trap of a pity-party if ever there was one. And it's so easy to fall into, to listen to that conversation in your head.

But we can change that outlook.

When we buy into negative messaging and comparison ("he's so perfect at auditions, I know he'll get it, I wish I didn't suck at auditioning...") we create a relationship with ourself that is damaging. We all have a voice in our head - you know the one, the critical one, the censor. It's our ego doing its job - trying to keep us safe by not taking risks, trying to prevent us from looking foolish. Why try at all? Better to be safe, at home, out of sight!

Here's an idea I'd like you to play with. What if, instead of a critical voice in your head, you let that voice be a mentor to your true self? If you had the opportunity to mentor someone who was struggling, think about the messaging you would send them. What would you like to hear from a mentor who believed in you? How about, "You know these lines cold, you're off book, you've prepared and done everything you can, you get to act today in this audition, this is what you love! You're ready!"

Beyond the conversations in our head is our need to please others and find acceptance. In this scenario, we project our fears about not being enough onto the casting director/director/producer. We assume they demand perfection, ie, an imaginary standard of the right look, the right choices, the right tone. A-ha.

Let it go. First of all, it's not true. Casting directors love to make discoveries. They love to be surprised. Secondly, guessing what other people want so you can try to be that, will never make you a better actor. Committing to your work and your talent, committing to doing your very best work no matter what - that will make you a great actor.

Anne Bogart, a pillar of the acting world, said, "Embarrassment is a partner in the creative act - a key collaborator. If your work does not sufficiently embarrass you, then very likely no one will be touched by it."  What does she mean? She means opening yourself up to being imperfect. She means taking a creative risk because it excites and challenges you. She means letting go of ego so that you, the actor, can be free to follow your impulses authentically. Remember, no one is perfect - that's the state of the human condition. Being imperfect is a great place to be as an actor because you'll be authentically human. Let your humanity shine. 

Now let's talk about mistakes or things that went wrong. This happens to everyone. Realizing that perfection is a myth is not permission to not do the homework! That's just being lazy. But sometimes, we forget our lines, or things just don't go well. Once, I had an incredibly bad vocal audition because I'd brought sheet music in the wrong key - way too high for me to sing! It was cringe-worthy and I learned a valuable lesson about thorough research. I personally deal with these things by asking myself, "What was missing?"

In the case of the song, what was missing was my preparedness. I should have taken the music to someone who could play piano to double check the key - even if that meant paying a professional for a half hour of their time. I could have prevented a disastrous audition and worked with a coach to find a piece in which I could really showcase my voice.

Knowing that you did the work, that you followed-through on your homework, your character research, and knowing that your lines cold, is the foundation of your inner peace. When you step into the audition room, or when the cameras roll, you've given yourself the "perfect" foundation (heh heh) from which you can play freely. This is critical to success and an easy stage for actors to drag their feet. Next time you get a scene to study, don't wait. Dive right in! Give yourself your best shot.

So let's recap.

The idea of "perfection" is one we each, individually, invent in our heads and agree must be true. If you want to not be haunted by these spectres and shadows, see them for what they are - conversations and ego fears. Just start to notice the conversations, and you'll soon be able to step in and dispel them.

And, always do the work. Then do it some more. Not because you're trying to be perfect, but because that's the work part of an actor's job, and you owe it to yourself and your scene partner.