“You are the driving force in your life and are responsible for making your goals–and your vision for yourself–come true. Get out there and make your own work!” ~ Katie O’Grady
As actors and artists, the waiting period between auditions or projects can often feel frustrating and disheartening. Instead of staying in that limbo, the most empowering thing you can do is take charge and create your own art. Don’t wait for permission or the next opportunity—go out and make something on your own. This not only fuels your creativity but also opens doors to new experiences and growth.
In the process of creating your own content, you may discover a new passion. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Often, we hold back from creating because we expect it to be great from the start, but that’s unrealistic and can discourage us from even trying. What matters is that it’s yours and that it gets made. Start by sitting down and putting your thoughts on paper. Go to a park and observe people, talk to family and friends—find inspiration. Once you have a story, write it. Workshop it, gather feedback, make revisions, and improve it!
Here are five ways an actor can stay creative and nurture their artistic growth while waiting for their next opportunity:
Create Your Own Content: Write a short film, a web series, or even a scene and produce it yourself. This will keep you engaged in the craft and help you develop skills in writing, directing, and production, which can deepen your understanding of storytelling.
Collaborate with Other Artists: Team up with fellow actors, writers, or filmmakers to create something new. Whether it’s hosting script readings, filming small projects, or practicing improv, collaboration keeps the creative energy flowing and builds connections within the artistic community.
Explore a New Medium: Try your hand at another art form—painting, photography, music, or dance. Exploring a different creative outlet can help you view your acting from fresh perspectives, fueling your imagination and emotional depth.
Take a Class or Workshop: Enroll in an acting class, explore a new technique, or join a workshop in an area you haven’t explored, like voiceover work or stage combat. Learning something new can sharpen your skills and inspire new ways of approaching your roles.
Perform in Live Spaces: Seek out opportunities to perform outside traditional acting roles, like spoken word, storytelling events, or open mics. These spaces allow you to practice in front of an audience, building confidence and helping you develop your stage presence in unique settings.
“It’s really important as an artist that when you have a goal, or something that you feel like is taking too much time for the career that you want and the dream that you want, that you do it for yourself. “ – Katie O’Grady
