Do Actors Ever Take Breaks?

No, that's not the New York City skyline folks. That's Chicago, and it's where I spent my lovely Labor Day weekend. 

I was there half on vacation and half for a family event. And even though I fully intended to enjoy all the city has to offer, and take a small break from New York and work, I found myself thinking about popping into a few auditions.

I’m curious what it’s like to audition in other markets. But is it just curiosity or the fact that I don’t know how to stop working?

I’m not alone in these thoughts either. Last week I overheard a conversation at an audition. One girl had just returned from Florida, and the other was soon heading to Chicago. They talked about how, even though they were going on vacations, they felt this urge to test the water in another city.

Are we, actors, drawn to these thoughts because we can’t turn our performer-brains off? Is it that we don’t adhere to normal schedules, what with weekend and evening performances after a full day of rehearsing being the norm? Or is it really just curiosity? 

Perhaps, still, it’s a notion that we might have an easier time booking work somewhere else. Are we all just small fish in the giant lake that is New York? Maybe Chicago or Florida would turn out to be that proverbial small pond...

For me, I think it’s a mix of all three. I definitely have a real curiosity about auditioning and working in other markets. At this point I only know the lay of the land for New York, but there are other large markets out there with their own formats. Would it be useful for me to understand how their auditions work too?

  And of course it’s hard not to wonder if I might find more work somewhere else. But I think overall, it’s very difficult to turn my brain off. I’m constantly thinking about what else I can do to advance my career, meet that composer, what song to add to my book. I think it’s just the nature of being an artist and, essentially, a business owner.

What do you think fellow actors? Do you ever feel that urge to work when you are supposed to be on vacation? Even wonder what it would be like to work and audition in another theater market? What is that driving force that keeps you constantly thinking about your career?

--Rachel F. Hirsch

Comments

[Angela Sauer]

I have a friend who never goes anywhere without trying to book in some auditions. When I asked him about it, he said, "I will never give anyone a chance to say that I'm a lazy actor just because I occasionally go on vacation."

I think he's extreme. If you know about an audition and would consider taking the role, then go for it. But sometimes you need a break from your life. And that's what vacation is for.

[Rachel F. Hirsch]

I applaud your friend on his enthusiasm, but at the same time I think we actors have a lot more work to do than auditioning. I think people often get caught up in making themselves feel bad about skipping an audition or two, when in reality, reading a book is research, making a new friend is networking, and so on.

I think you are right though about finding a balance. Maybe it's ok, on occasion, to take time away from your vacation to audition. But I definitely think it's important to allow yourself to rest. At least, I know I don't function at my peak if I don't give my mind and spirit a little bit of time away from it all.

Thanks for your comments, Angela!