Whether you’re at an audition, on camera, in rehearsal, or on stage, there are thousands of things rushing through your mind while you’re portraying your character and acting out a scene. It’s the nature of the craft – but the truth of the matter is you NEED a clear head in order to put your best into your acting! Your main focus shouldn’t be pulled from the priorities that only benefit you. It’s so easy to get distracted, but the more things you focus on, the more distracted you get, the more disengaged and uncommitted you come off in the scene. Like we always say, the career of an actor is about constantly finding a balance and a harmony among all the things that demand your attention.

Our friends at Backstage published a fantastically insightful article on The Only 4 Thoughts You Should Have While You’re Acting – and we feel it communicates a strong message about the creative spirit as well as how to be empowered during the audition process. Here’s one of our favorite excerpts (of many) from the advice article:

As problematic as the pressure may be, however, there is something magical about performance. The actor’s mission is to communicate a story and, by directing your attention to only the vital aspects of the immediate imaginative experience and the aesthetic demands of the show, a sense of this mission can elevate your acting to another level.

By surrendering control, embracing the unknown, caring less about how well you’re being received, and keeping your head in the game, there’s a chance something interesting can happen. You may accomplish what’s really the sole purpose of the art of acting: the sharing of your humanity. The only reason you’re there is to be effected and respond. Nobody cares what you think.

Get centered, get serious, get in the right headspace! There are countless ways to harness your creative power – explore what works best for you and keep working hard!