Be Passionate

As 2011 came to a close, I reflected on the year gone by and asked myself where I wanted to direct my focus in 2012. The first thing that popped into my mind was, “Be Passionate.”

This seemed like a no-brainer. Of course I’m passionate, that’s why I’m an actor! And most of us (unfortunately) aren’t doing this because the money is right, but because we love it. However, pursing an acting career isn’t always the best chicken soup for the soul and often feels like an abusive relationship. For most actors, it’s hand-to-mouth. We try to put as many irons in the fire as possible to make ends meet and hopefully get some kind of career traction.

Under these circumstances, it’s easy to lose sight of why we got into this profession in the first place. In chasing the next project, we often let our inspiration take a back seat. 2011 was a hard year, and naturally, I wasn’t enthralled with everything I worked on (this isn’t to say I wasn’t grateful for every opportunity), but I did identify a few roles that really struck a chord with me, roles that reminded me why I love what I do.

I resolved that in 2012 I would find roles that inspire me and keep me excited about acting. Simply relying on my agent or Actor’s Access to serve up the kinds of complex and gritty roles that get my blood pumping might take a while to pay off, and every day I wait, my passion for acting would be slowly draining out of me. So I decided I’m going to make it happen rather than just hoping the stars align.

In 2012 I will have at least one dream role to look forward to, one I wrote for myself. My roommate and I are writing a webseries and I’m developing a character that I find intriguing, unexpected, and challenging. I’m creating my own work, work that energizes me, that no one can take from me, and that I can mold as I see fit. I’m manufacturing my own passion project, and it feels amazing!

We are almost finished with the first full draft of the series and I gotta say, every time it comes up in conversation, I get so excited just talking about it! The story is unique and has an unexpected, dark twist that pays off several moments planted throughout the series. My character’s motivations are primal, his scheme has required years of patience and discipline, and it’s all layered under a veneer of the nice guy-next-door. It’s not quite Dexter, but it’s close.

Of course I’m still submitting myself left and right and going on auditions my agent secures for me, but it is nice to know that I have a project coming up that I’m already cast in and thrilled about. So often we never know where the next job will come from, it’s a huge confidence boost to know that you have your next gig lined up already.

Writing my own material has also produced an unexpected side benefit. I have gained a much more thorough understanding of how screenplays are constructed and how the characters fit in to the overall plot and tone of a piece. This has been immensely helpful in analyzing characters for other projects I’m cast in and has considerably strengthened my auditions. It’s helped me know which way to steer a character to better serve the storyline which makes delivering that character even more rewarding.

There are two ways to starve as an actor – physically and creatively. Writing and acting in my own webseries is unlikely to put food on the table, but it will feed my creative soul which is every bit as important. It gives me something to be passionate about; reminds me of why I gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer to do this; and flat out makes me happy.

When you find yourself feeling beat down by this industry (and if you don’t feel this way at present, you will eventually), get back to basics. Remind yourself why you are here in the first place; rediscover what about this profession compels you and makes you go “wow.” If 99-seat theater is what you really love, resolve to do at least one show this year. If standup comedy is what invigorates you, work on a set and sign up for a local open mic. If it’s the uncommon hero or surprising villain role in films that you enjoy most, search far and wide for those roles; if you can’t find them, create them.

Whatever it is that you are passionate about, chase it and don’t stop until you’ve acquired it. People will tell you that you can’t do it and will list the reasons why you shouldn’t try, but if you’re pursuing something that inspires you, it won’t matter because you’ll have that creative energy bristling in every synapse of your being.

If you let it, this business will suck the life out of you, beat you down, convince you of your worthlessness, and steal your soul. Have a vision, know where you’re going, latch on to those things that compel you, and unapologetically chase your dreams. Don’t let the lack of opportunities stand in your way. Take Harvey Dent’s advice and make your own luck.

Be passionate about your work; be passionate about your life.

 

What are you passionate about?

(photos courtesy of Getty Images, Shannon Simpson, and Rashel Hagmayer)

-- Gabriel Voss

 

Comments

[Firas Natour]

can totally relate to this. it's actually what made me write my first feature (and still reviewing) , and will make me write more in the future.

I congratulate you on your first writing, and wish you best of luck

[narcissist]

I can totally relate as well!

Great read man, inspirational too. Passion is what I always come back to, every time I lose focus.

[Gabriel Voss]

Firas - That's awesome that you've written a feature! Congratulations! Of course it's always a work in progress. Keep it up! Thanks for wishing me luck. Gonna need it!

Narcissist - Glad you enjoyed it. So easy to lose focus in this business and sometimes the only thing that helps is going back to why we're here in the first place. Best of luck to you!

[Linda Fausnet]

This is lovely. Well said.

[Gabriel Voss]

Linda - Thanks. I thought of you and all the work you've put into your screenplays.

[carina]

Love, love this article. Made my day. Thank you.

[Gabriel Voss]

Carina - So glad you liked it. Thanks for letting me know and I hope you continue to be passionate about what your work.