The struggle between busyness and business can be compared to Robert Lewis Stevenson’s novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.
For those of you who are not familiar with the story , it goes something like this.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a story of deception between the complexities of science and human nature. Dr Jekyll is a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, to bring out his lower nature.
Dr. Jekyll is in the business of science and self-experimentation.
Like Marie Curie voluntarily exposed herself to radiation ( all in the name of science) Dr. Jekyll drank a serum transforming himself into Mr Hyde – his evil alter ego who refuses to repent or accept responsibility for his evil crimes.
When things get out of hand, Dr.Jekyll tries to control his alter ego, Hyde, and for a while Jekyll has the overcomes. But in the end Hyde takes the reigns killing them both.
Actors are people too. You must hone your craft, market your talent, do laundry, work a 9 to 5 all the while maintaining personal relationships or choosing to live in a cave of your own making.
You are like Dr. Jekyll you must maintain daily life, while the Mr.Hyde in you is insanely obsessed with the stage or the big screen.
The answer to this conundrum is both simple and complicated. I’ll give you the complicated answer first.
Ready? Don’t Hyde from this!
BUSYNESS of ACTING
Like Edvard Munch and his famous painting Scream , the world distracts you through
social media screaming in silent desperation, pay attention to me!
Post something, check your FB, Twitter, Linked in, and what ever you do don’t forget to update your blog.
Let me ask you something. Depending on your age, how did you market yourself 20, 30 or even 40 years ago? What were the results?
Climb into my time machine.
The age of the silver screen (1940’s – 1960’s) boasted some very big names. Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Vincent Price, Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. I am sure you can think of more.
These people were just like you. Not super human or mighty angels. So how did they achieve so much in so little time without the aid of social media?
By Studying their craft, taking classes and meeting people who were not to busy to help them with their business. They left a legacy because they tended to the business of acting.
Yes, I know what your thinking. They didn’t have to deal with masks, Covid-19 or all the media flowing into homes at all hours of the day.
I’ll meet you half way on this one. There were no masks, or Covid-19, but their social media was face to face. They had no CHOICE but to meet with people, talk and discuss acting and the business of it.
They knew that busyness would mean the death of their career.
You are no different. It may take a little effort such as leaving your phone at home or at the very least refusing to look at the screen when talking to others.
Remember, Change is a Choice not a Chance and you are never a victim of your own free will.
The Virtual world wants you to Hyde yourself away from real people. Why? They want to market themselves through you.
The bizarre fact? Social media is made up of people just like you who are slowly losing themselves by taking the serum of conformity. Its like you are being distracted by others while they are being distracted by you!
You are both volunteers in the death of your acting careers.
Social media platforms goal is for you to hyde’ away and lose yourself and your career in busyness.
Whoa! Deep eh?
Now for the Business of Acting
The business side of acting is really (drum roll) ACTING! Think back. When you decided to become an actor/actress was it because it fulfilled you?
What was your first experience on stage or screen? Why did you do it? How did it make you feel?
Acting comes from the heart first, not the wallet.
My first play, The Wizard of Oz was a heart opening experience.
I could positively effect people’s emotions, empower them and give them something to think about.
I hope this post has given YOU something to think about today.
I urge you to consciously reconsider why you became an actor/actress.
When all is said and done you will only have memories to hold. The busyness of acting is designed to keep you busy and out of touch with your heart and legacy.
You are the business of acting. Your life and the lives of those you touch will be fulfilled through your talent.
Don’t Hyde’ your light in the busyness of what others say you should be doing. Get to the business of acting.
Don’t’ concern yourself with busyness.
FOCUS all your time and energy on your craft.
The rest?
It will happen as you ACT.
Always Choose Truthfully
David Thompson
