Big Gifts, Small Packages

What does autumn represent for you, personally and professionally? Besides being the season between summer and winter in our Northern Hemisphere (and my personal favorite!), the Merriam-Webster dictionary provides a second definition: A period of maturity or incipient decline, such as “In the autumn of life.”

How does this definition apply to you? Are you in your later years chronologically, yet still excited about the work you do? Or are you just beginning the craft of acting and have yet to mature as an actor, no matter what age? 

I believe an exciting aspect of life is that there is always something to learn, to experience, to enjoy. We are never fully realized, otherwise we would be perfect. Yes, yes, I know, the fact that you and I are not absolutely perfect already can sting a bit. Yet, that imperfection is actually perfect, once we are mature enough to understand that. It can cause us to remain curious enough to keep digging, discovering and uncovering our own layers of understanding — those magical “ah-ha” moments. 

Sometimes, these opportunities come to us unexpectedly as, some would say, “blessings in disguise.” Other times, our business savvy and strategic action create the opportunities for us to become our highest and best, personally and professionally. It requires diligence and devotion to the best of one’s ability at any given time in one’s career. As an actor, it is most enriching to utilize those hard-earned experiences in our expression during jobs by digging deep and creating a rich character, even if there are no lines. And, if we haven’t already experienced a particular situation in our own lives, we know there are incredible acting tools we can pull out of our tool belt that enable us to put forth good, solid work for our clients. 

After all, they can recognize that we have put in the work and they enjoy hiring those of us who care enough to do so on a regular basis. Remember, time is money! No matter how great or small a project is, all work is important. The client must be able to count on us to do the work behind the scenes in preparation for a solid performance, in auditions, callbacks and the actual job. And it is in those very moments that we are more than likely to feel satisfaction because we know we did our work and gave our best. 

I experienced this on a new series shot here in Nevada a while back called Sin City Saints. I was hired for a particular role with absolutely no lines, only reactions, working alongside the series principals. I prepared in every way I could, including choosing purposeful wardrobe and accessories. I arrived on set ready and excited to work. The director, Fred Savage, graciously assured me I was doing exactly what he and the producers wanted the entire day. He asked me if I would play a different role than the one for which I was hired and, of course, I said yes with great enthusiasm. Again, there would be no lines. But what did happen was that I also gave my best to that new role, which could have very well turned into a regular character depending on the series future.

No matter what the future had in store for the outcome of the series, I walked away that day knowing my work was reliable and solid, and hopefully caused them to take notice of me for more work in the series or any future projects. I put aside any pride or ego for a role with no lines as a featured extra, fully welcoming a wonderful opportunity to work with big industry professionals, used the tools I learned in my coaching and welcomed every chance to learn and discover more on set. It was a fulfilling day and remains quite a career gift. 

One never knows who is watching and when, and what may happen down the road. Always prepare and be ready. The best way to do this is to study the craft on a regular basis. There are many gifted coaches who truly care about and respect what an actor must do for his or her craft. They say it takes nearly 20 years to truly begin to understand the craft of acting. Patience, perseverance and humility will set you free. And knowing the “business of the business” will set you above most others. 

Live your life and create your career so as to have no regrets and much fulfillment. I hope to see you at our upcoming membership meeting and holiday party. 

Now, on with becoming a gift to the world! 

Enjoy … in joy!

By Dee Drenta
Nevada Local Board Member

This item was originally featured in the November 2017 local newsletter.