Growing up, we have creative imaginations and no inhibitions when it comes to playing or telling stories. If you are an extrovert, you may have been told that you’re a “natural born performer” and if you are shy or reserved, you may have been pushed to acting classes to open up. Whichever route you took, these experiences can become core memories and give us a taste of the acting bug.
You may have that niggling thought that you could pursue acting but, the competitive industry could be making you doubt if it’s right for you. Forget the pragmatic considerations for now, such as the amount of time you need to dedicate, and look inwards. If acting is right for you and will fulfil you, the practicalities can be managed and adjusted for your life goals.
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7 Signs you should pursue acting
1. You’re empathetic
If you find yourself feeling deeply compassionate for others, emotionally connected to their stories and able to place yourself in someone else’s shoes, then you already have the vulnerable quality of a great actor. Most of an actor’s job is relating to characters and emotionally connecting with the other actors in the scene. If this comes naturally to you and you enjoy being empathetic, then acting could be for you.
2. You want to tell stories
Maybe you watch films and have an itch to be involved somehow, or you buzz off retelling stories to people. At the core, an actor is a storyteller and they embody the characters to bring it alive. You have to enjoy stories and understand the connection it brings to humans, in order to thrive as an actor.
3. You’re fascinated by actor’s techniques
There are so many different acting techniques and methods that are used across theatre and film. Maybe you are always researching acting school methods, different acting practitioners or even get caught in a web of Google searches about a film actor you just watched. Anyone can be amazed by watching an actor transform into a character, but only other actors are fascinated by their process and get an itch to try the techniques themselves. Your excitement for the full process could provide you with the commitment and dedication needed for an acting career.
4. You deeply enjoy learning about yourself
Actors have to be able to bring a part of themselves into any role and to be vulnerable to a wide range of emotions. In order to do this, it is necessary to dig deep and learn about yourself in ways other careers do not require. If you enjoy analysing your emotions and understanding how they ripple out into your mood, thoughts and interactions, then it is a sign you could be a great actor. Many people put this down as one of the best benefits of being an actor.
5. You have an amazing imagination
Being able to immerse yourself in a fictional character and world requires a massive amount of imagination. When reading a book or script, if you find yourself easily tapping into your vision and creating these places, people and situations in your mind, then it is a signal that acting could be for you. In fact, developing your imagination is a skill many actors practice from home so you are already halfway there.
6. You enjoy collaborating and connecting with others
Acting is never 100% about you and your character, it is about how you connect with others in your scene, the truth of the story and the audience. Understanding this, and thriving on connections with others, could help you to be an excellent storyteller through acting. Whether it be through improvising a scene or by being vulnerable with another actor, letting go of your ego and becoming part of a shared experience is key.
7. You have fun acting
The most important consideration for any career, hobby or life goal is that you have fun or feel fulfilled when you do it. Regardless of nerves or doubt, if you feel a rush of excitement or happiness when you act, then it’s a sign you should incorporate it in your life.
Do you know if acting is right for you?
Overall, being an actor is so much more than just fame and paychecks, it is about embodying the truth of a story so that others can connect with it. There is a responsibility on an actor to continually learn to connect inwardly and outwardly. Their role in a production brings together so many elements of a script on page and their work pushes humans to connect and continue to grow.
If you answered yes to these 7 questions, then it could be a sign that you may find fulfillment through acting. Whether you pursue it as a hobby or professionally, being able to tell stories as an actor should fill you with excitement, inspiration and a profound connection to yourself and others.