Blog & NewsKatie Talk - The Business of Acting

Katie Talk: Building Your Community

By August 30, 2024No Comments

“Let’s build it, let’s create because we’re artists, because we can, because we’re human beings and we deserve to connect and be together and share in each other’s successes.” – Katie O’Grady

 

What does community mean to you? To your career? Do you have people in your circle who fully understand what it means to not only be an actor, but to live and create as an artist?

Being an actor can be a lonely path. Having supportive family members, friends, and partners is incredibly important, you should also surround yourself with like-minded individuals and artists who truly understand the daily struggles and successes of what it means to be an actor.

At The Studio NW, we welcome new students and actors all the time and are super excited to see our community grow with each new member. We want to be part of your community, and we also encourage you to build it for yourself. Find the people who are excited about the things you’re excited about and make something happen! Maybe you love a particular playwright, schedule a day to read and perform their work with your friends. Or maybe you’re obsessed with a popular show like The Bear. You could host weekly watch parties. Are you in a play at your local theater? Invite your Studio NW classmates to attend!

Think of all the things you’re able to do to enrich your community:

**Create your own group of like-minded individuals
Celebrate Milestones & Offer Emotional Support: Start a weekly or bi-weekly check-in where you discuss any challenges or victories in your acting journey. Organize small get-togethers or virtual hangouts that can be as simple as a casual coffee meet-up or a full-blown celebration.

**Form a Study Group

Collaborate with fellow actors to study scripts, practice scenes, or workshop monologues. This could be a regular event, where each session focuses on a different skill or technique.

**Host Themed Nights

Organize events like “Monologue Mondays” or “Improv Thursdays” where everyone can participate in activities that align with your group’s interests and goals. You could also watch films or plays together, followed by a discussion about the performances and direction.

**Space for Collaboration

We offer our space for your meet-ups, whether you’re forming a study group, hosting themed nights, or just looking for a place to collaborate. Our studio is your studio, let’s organize regular get-togethers here where you can connect with other like-minded actors.

The Studio NW is here to support you through every step of your journey. Reach out to us—we’re more than just a space; we’re your community.

Pour yourself into your community

**Volunteer Together

Participate in community service projects or charity events as a group. For example, you could offer to perform at local hospitals, schools, or community centers, or help with a local theater production that needs extra hands.

**Engage with Our Kids’ Classes

Share your knowledge by mentoring younger or less experienced actors. We invite you to pop into our kids’ acting classes and share your experiences or even assist with teaching. This is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of actors and give back to the community.

Share your exciting news with each other

**Promote Your Achievements

The Studio NW is here to help amplify your voice. When you share exciting news about auditions, roles, or other creative endeavors in our WhatsApp group or on social media it puts a positive spotlight on art and creativity! We want to know and share.

The Studio NW is more than just a place to take acting classes—it’s a hub for creative energy, collaboration, and community-building. We’re committed to being an active participant in your journey and providing the resources and support you need to thrive.

It is a bit of a lonely walk sometimes as an actor. When things are going well, everyone wants to be part of your community. But during tough times, when you’re feeling discouraged, that’s when we truly rely on each other to lift each other up. Let’s use our space to create a community that’s as supportive and connected as possible.

~Katie O’Grady