THE TOP TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL ACTOR, Part Two
Here we are discussing the key qualities great actors share! They may be a bit different than you are thinking. Read more below and see if you have the traits it takes to be a successful actor here in Los Angeles too!
Passion? Its definitely important in a performer. And an affinity towards black clothes and a dramatic flair are common. But a COMEDIC SPIRIT is the trait that really puts you ahead. You have to be able to laugh at yourself in this wacky business. Who wants to go to work on set for 12 hours straight with a grumpy, melancholic artist who takes herself waaaaaay too seriously? Bummer, no one. So learn how to laugh, how to relax, and how to really listen to get to know people. You’ll make more industry connections and have a better reputation around here than you can imagine!
Laser Beam Focus? More than that, its FLEXIBILITY. This characteristic comes into play often. There are three types of flexibility that an actor must possess. He must be flexible with time, with criticism, and with change. On a set, anything can happen. Just because a show is running doesn’t mean a beam won’t fall from the sky, a light won’t blow out, or a sound cue won’t come. An actor must improvise and be able to cover for any fault in the show. Even when he himself biffs a line, the mark of a great actor is that the audience never knew.
Diva Status? Ummm, no. A low maintenance, DIY ATTITUDE is more like it. Actors need to be able to be very self sufficient, many times on a ver limited budget and/or under stressful circumstances.Don’t listen to rumors of starlets who throw hissy fits. The true greats require very little of anyone else but themselves to rock a scene.
Thinness? Sure, Hollywood is full of waif-like skeletons, but having a HEALTHY MIND & BODY is what will keep you in it for the long haul! Actors need strength to take on the physicality of other people, to resist the junk food at crafty, to have the endurance to shoot a scene in the wilderness for 12 hours straight. Their minds must be equally healthy to take on the emotional weight of meaty roles and resist the temptation to listen to mean-spirited critics.
Whimsy? Whimsical actors are fun to play with, but successful actors also possess sharp INTELLIGENCE. A great actor uses his smarts to research roles and impart that knowledge into his acting to develop more convincing attributes of the character. Great actors generally also have excellent reading and interpretation skills.
Self Absorption? Actually EMPATHY and a fascination with human beings and psychology is what makes an actor shine. Successful actors think beyond themselves and are able to empathize with others’ pain, joy, and inner most thoughts.