For The Undiscovered Actor

As many of you know I started my own company, SoulFLY Theatre Society, with one of my best friends from high school in 2010. Since the start of this journey I have battled with myself. Sometimes we are our worst critics.

To be honest I was scared.

Starting a company with little know how is frightening. However, I've been blessed to have met some really amazing people along the way that have supported me.

As a Black female businesswoman (wooof that was even a little scary to type) I am trying to create high quality and thought-provoking artistic experiences that provoke social change. It is my hope to liberate the minority voice, specifically the voices of women of color. Doing all of this on a small budget I often feel limited. This is mainly because I believe artists should be compensated well for lending their gifts to public domain.

Far too often the Arts are not considered a viable occupation. Thats why so many artists have to result to working a 9-5 to pay their bills instead of being fully immersed in their creative outlet. An artist is very much a minority in societal workforce norms, which I find extremely odd given the fact that the amount of consumption of artistic products by the world is vast. Whether its the music you are blasting on your drive to work or when you binge watch your favorite web series, everyday all day no matter where you are in the world you benefit from some sort of art form. Those gifted enough to produce these art forms deserve to be treated the same as any other respected profession.


Throughout my journey with SoulFLY I have been honored to work with lots of wonderful people that understand this very thought and yet still agreed to work with me for small stipends and at times even for free. That is a testament to the love a true artist has for their craft. I have encountered lots of talented actors who could and should very well be seen in all major film, television and theatre outlets.  I've been observing what works for both the actor and the director when forging long lasting relationships and have decided to share.

This post is dedicated to the budding actor who is working with smaller theatre companies. Directors your post is coming soon.

Here we go...

ACTORS:

• BE OPEN TO TRYING A SMALL THEATRE COMPANY--Small theatre companies might not be able to offer you a lot of compensation like larger companies but the close knit relationships formed are priceless. You never know what that company will grow into or do so keep your relationship in great standing with that company.

• SUPPORT BEYOND JUST ACTING--The actors I appreciate the most are the ones that stayed after rehearsal to help clean up or manned the lighting booth. The ones who hit me up just to check in or inquire if I need any help with a project they aren't cast in. It shows the company that they aren't just an added line on your resume. By supporting the company in other ways you prove that you believe in it's mission and want to see the vision come to fruition.

• FOLLOW THROUGH--It's easy to lose professionalism when you aren't being paid. I get it. But you should always maintain professionalism. If you commit to a project with a small theater company give your all plus another 100%. Arrive on time, have your lines memorized if not before then by the deadline, be receptive to direction, and apply the direction given to your task.

• DISPOSITION MATTERS--Man, if I could fully verbalize how one nasty attitude can infect an entire project. Don't be that one. Rehearsals, run-throughs, and filming can be long and taxing but maintain a positive demeanor. Always. You may be tired, hungry, sick, sad...persevere positively! A nasty disposition is not one you want to be associated with your name in the theatre/film community. 

We are all in this thing together. The best of the best is coming your way! Have fun and break-a-leg!