Many LA actors come to us for help when they’re in a career rut! Often times they’re puzzled wondering why in the world they’re feeling so stuck. After many years in the business, we usually have our suspicions as to why that might be the case. So here in “Help To Save Yourself From A Career Rut! Part One” we share the questions to ask yourself if you too are feeling stuck!

Is my headshot outdated?

We see this far too often. An actor’s main (and arguably their most powerful) marketing tool is their headshot! But sometimes performers don’t want to be bothered with the cost or time it takes to get new photos. Maybe they’ve had a bad experience in the past or are just feeling negative about the positive changes a new picture can bring — But this is so damaging! If you want new doors to open, you have to be willing to do your part. And having killer headshots is part of our job.

Think about it. Even if you have a new agent, she can’t market you effectively without the right tools. Even if you get casting to open your online submission, you can’t grab their attention with a drab old photo. You also cannot move ahead at your current age/weight/type if your headshot is from 5 years ago. Stop yearning for days gone by and embrace your new skin, whether it’s older, fatter, fitter, paler, or whatever have you. You must first embrace yourself before others will follow suit.

Have I been doing my prep work?

Let’s admit it, it’s easy to just phone it in when it comes to our auditions. We have trained voices, able bodies, good cold reading skills. We even have our audition wardrobe as well as charming pre and post audition banter down pat. But are you truly bringing your best, deepest, most vulnerable and open self to your meetings or just getting by?

It’s hard work researching a role, memorizing lines, diving into the world of a character. It requires time and effort and sometimes yields little to no reward. But we can’t let ourselves get lazy, or worse yet, jaded. Each and every audition is the opportunity to give ourselves whole heartedly over to a new character. That magical feeling and transition between us and them is why we all started doing this in the first place. So don’t gyp yourself out of the chance to fully show what you are capable of.

Am I filling my head with negative thoughts?

Oh boy this is a biggie. Do you find yourself falling into the “I’m too old, I don’t have enough credits, or I’m not pretty/handsome enough” trap? Negative thoughts have a way of creeping in and not budging. As artists we have to constantly checkin with ourselves and squash those lies. If not, they will take over and we will most definitely sabotage ourselves out of any sort of success in our path.

Cheezy as it sounds, it is our job to then refill our artistic well with affirming mantras, beautiful images, and positive self talk. Are you doing your part?

What am I scared of?

Write it out, talk it out, just get it out! Play a game of worse case scenario. If I’m feeling really stressed before a big meeting I’ll ask myself, what’s the worst that could happen? I could trip on my way into the room, the assistant CD could be my ex boyfriend, and the casting director could hate the very sound of my voice. Then what? I’d still be able to walk out on two feet, get a latte, and move on to the next role. Seriously, nothing is ever as bad as it seems when it’s bottled up inside of us.

Sometimes the idea of success can be almost as scary as failure. Yup, you heard me. You might be more sacred of making it than not! Does the idea of success make you feel guilty, unworthy, distant from your loved ones, or insecure? Once you start to be real with your self, you’ll be able to deal with all these hidden fears that may be subconsciously holding you back from taking your next step forward!

Break legs!
Megan Manzi