I've been working in this area for past 3 years and I realize there isn't a whole lot of opportunity to reflect/discuss issues that actors have when building a character that may be particularly challenging for them emotionally/psychologically.
Unless you have a therapist, or a really great friend who will listen to you about the impact your character is having on you, or you excel at journaling and it's benefits - it can be a fairly lonely creative space - at times scary and other times overwhelming too. So I decided to create this post as a space for those actors who want to share their experiences of developing a character and then having a hard time 'shaking it off'. Or are about to embark on a character journey and could use a word or two of advice/support along the way - not just from me but from others who wish to share what's worked for them.
Please do share
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Important topic, Alan Powell! Thanks for starting this discussion. Hope a lot of members join in to share their experiences and/or ask for advice and support.
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Thanks Maurice. I'm keeping my tab open and keeping an eye out.
You're welcome, Alan Powell.
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This was really good Alan Powell and important to share. Thanks for sharing this!
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You're welcome Leonardo. I'm curious to know if you have your own experience(s) that resonate with what I said? That is from a screenwriting writing perspective? I suppose I could ask the same of Maurice...?
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Yes, Alan Powell but in it lies in the general waiting part. I wasn't always grounded in who I am so waiting to hear back on opportunities was always super tough. And then when/if I did hear back and the result was negative, it was always devastating. That's no longer the case. We have to separate our value from the work. For me, that was found in my spiritual life through gobs of prayer and finally realizing and believing that the two are separate.
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so true Leonardo! and the fact is, learning the craft of screenwriting, or acting or any craft takes time and patience and dedication. None of which is representative of our value as people. Like you said, the two are separate.