The surest way to book a job is to buy non-refundable plane tickets - or book another job first. - Image via Flickr by Diego di Silva
When it rains, it pours. It's true of rain in Los Angeles (insert rain dance here) and it's true for actors. It's our own version of Murphy's Law... The surest way to book a job is to buy non-refundable plane tickets - or book another job first.
The musical I'm working on opens September 12. Last week, I got an audition for a huge national commercial involving a photo shoot in New York followed by the commercial shoot in Europe -- both of which directly conflict with final rehearsals and opening weekend of my show.
My first impulse was to freak out. A national commercial is big money. And how often do you get a shot at a free trip to both New York and Europe? I have to go to this audition! But what if I book it? Am I really willing to miss opening weekend of my show? But if I don't go, will my commercial agent hate me? Will the casting office ever call me in again? Will I be sending the cosmic message that I'd rather do unpaid theater than lucrative commercial work? Am I a huge jerk for stressing out because there's too much good stuff happening? AAAAAAAAH!!!
Then I took a deep breath. I am not willing to miss opening weekend of my show. More than that, I am not willing to subject myself to the stress of worrying about what would happen if I have to fly to New York and Europe instead of focusing on final dress rehearsals.
There was a time I might have done it. Earlier in my career, I missed a friend's wedding and mailed my bridesmaid's dress to a last-minute substitute because I booked my first multi-day costar role. (She understood.) But priorities change as lives and careers develop, and perspective changes with experience. Back then, I thought I might never get another chance to do that kind of role. Today, I know there will be more commercial auditions, but never another opening night of this show.
From a broader perspective, it's the difference between a mentality of abundance and a mentality of scarcity. Scarcity mentality tells us this is our only chance; if we don't take it, someone else will, and we'll be left out in the cold. That's terrifying, and causes us to make decisions from a place of fear. Abundance mentality says it's ok, there will be more opportunities; check in with yourself and see which one excites you more, which one will be more fulfilling. It enables us to make decisions from a place of confidence and authenticity.
I passed on the audition, and I feel relieved and happy. I don't have to stress. I can look forward to opening weekend. I'm thrilled for whomever gets the opportunity to do the commercial, and know the right exciting gig will come along for me at a time when I can actually enjoy it.
So next time you find yourself losing your mind over too much opportunity, stop and breathe. Check in and see if you're operating from a place of abundance or scarcity. If it's the latter, see if you can shift it to the former, and feel what that changes. No one job holds the key to success. There are more auditions and jobs where that one came from. The ability to choose between several exciting opportunities is one of the skills working actors need. Being true to yourself will yield far more success in the long run than killing yourself in order to do everything. And if you screw up? That's ok too. You'll get it right next time.