Acting Career Blog

Tried and True Confidence Boosting Tips

Friday, January 6, 2012

There is one very crucial element to success in any industry and it is confidence. When it comes to acting, confidence is everything. A lack of confidence can ruin the career of an otherwise capable actor, and it happens all the time.

So what is confidence? Before I answer that question, let me first tell you what confidence isn’t—arrogance. When consciously trying to act confident, we might overcompensate and become very boastful and smug. By portraying ourselves as being above others, we are simply masking insecurity, and any agent, casting director, or director can spot this from a mile away.

Confidence, quite simply, is trust—in yourself and your work. It can’t be manufactured or sold. In order to feel and exert confidence, you have to learn to have faith in what you do without the aid of outside sources. The moment you start looking for approval or validation from others is the moment you break the seal of trust.

Below is a list of confidence boosting tips to help you overcome self-sabotaging traits. Kick negative thoughts to the curb once and for all. But remember, confidence alone is not enough; you still have to put forth the time and effort to make yourself the best actor you can be. Keep taking classes—honing your craft is a lifelong process. If you have questions, don’t be embarrassed to ask. We learn through experience, but also, from the more experienced.

• Go into your auditions with the mindset “this isn’t the only part. There will be plenty more.” Booking a role has more to do with forces outside of you and your acting abilities. So don’t beat yourself up for not booking a part, no matter how “right for it” you think you are.
  

• Learn to separate business and friendliness. So the casting director, producer, director or agent seemed to really like you— it doesn’t matter! This might seem harsh, but acting is a business. Sure we all want to be liked, but when you’re auditioning, either for a role or representation, the people in the room care about one thing—are you the right person for the role/will you book roles. Don’t take it personal if they don’t book or sign you. It doesn’t mean they don’t like you.
  
  
• The universal problem of the actor is that you are both the artist and the canvas. You can’t step outside of yourself and evaluate if what you are doing is good. You get one chance to create an impression, and this is a tremendous amount of pressure. But try this: FORGET ABOUT IT! Do the best you can, concentrate on the role at hand, and trust that you will do your best. The rest is out of your control. You may not be right for a particular role, but if a casting director likes you, there is a good chance they will keep you in mind for roles you might be better suited for in the future.
  
  
• Confidence lies in being able to graciously accept rejection or conductive criticism; not get hard on yourself or take it personal. You will never be the best, prettiest, smartest, etc., but you will be greatly respected and remembered for being openly thankful for opportunities that come your way.
  
  
• Be real with yourself. If you are not comfortable with content in a script, or if you absolutely, without a doubt know you are not right for a role- it’s ok! You have full ownership of your choices as an actor. How empowering! The biggest source of confidence comes from knowing yourself—connecting with your emotions, your likes and dislikes, morals and beliefs. It is only when we’re tuned into ourselves that we can honestly impart the empathy necessary to connect with the character we are portraying.

There is no time like the present to become the most confident actor you can be. Put the above tips into practice, and remember to have fun! You love acting, that is why you do it J The rest is icing on the cake.