Hi Stage 32 friends,
Hope you are having a positive end to the week!
I recently celebrated my birthday that included a lot of wishes for my acting and dancing. Unfortunately, the excessive use of technology, answering unrealistic questions, and late night not only led to a sleepless night but triggered a low point in current cultural barriers that I am simultaneously where I am in Lisbon.
But I have to stay positive for my nex short film's table reading and so much more in my acting journey!
Luckily, one good sleep, reduction of technology, and managing people have helped me. However, it is immensely important to be disciplined on the acting path - it is a life commitment.
Every film we do looks wonderful but it is so hard to explain what kind of cognitve care and understanding it requires. Do you feel the same?
Conicidentally, I read about my friend Alan Powell's acting workshop that addresses well-being as well as mental health that helps life and character development https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aces-for-actors-character-development-for-t... I wanted to share as just reading it can be reassuring and empowering.
That's all for now!
Let me know how you are doing and looking forward to sharing more bright steps in the acting lounge!
Samita
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I'm so sorry to hear about the upset around your birthday, but I'm glad to hear you're able to work through it. It really is a tricky balance between being a human being and playing one for others' stories.
For me, I have to choose days off ahead of time in order to ensure my "cognitive care", as you put it. As a massage therapist, I refused to work Sundays to ensure I got one day off a week. As an actor, it was a particular weekend off a month, usually around the full moon, so I know I'd get good rest. Reduction of technology is definitely good. A friend once told me to wait to check emails until after lunch so that the morning was entire free from screentime.
Ultimately, just knowing yourself and being able to articulate your body's needs is part of the skill set required of an actor. Part of the commitment, I suppose!
Karen "Kay" Ross thank you so much for youring caring thoughts - I really appreciate it and trust your views are much needed for all. Yes, I am also in the process of planning "off-device" time to stay away from the screen in the mornings and nights, and focus more on my fitness. voice training, and reflections as a performing artist. I will definitely try a weekend off once a month. It is hard but physical and cognitive care are needed for our committments!