How to Identify Your Personal Goals in Acting
As trained actors, we have found that the world of acting can be both exhilarating and daunting. Many actors dive headfirst into the craft driven by a passion for storytelling and performance, often without taking the time to reflect on our personal goals. This can lead to a sense of directionlessness, where the thrill of acting is overshadowed by uncertainty and frustration. There are almost no actors who haven’t experienced varying degrees of frustration.
Identifying both short-term and long-term goals can provide a roadmap and a release from the frustration, helping actors navigate their careers with intention and purpose. At John Rosenfeld Studios, we understand the importance of goal-setting in acting, and we are here to guide you through the process, including digging a bit deeper into the subject in this blog.
Why Set Goals in Acting?
Acting is a competitive field where talent alone is not enough. Setting clear, achievable goals helps you stay focused, motivated, and accountable. It allows you to measure your progress, celebrate your successes, and adjust your strategies as needed. Without goals, you risk wandering aimlessly through your career, missing opportunities for growth and success.
Identifying Short-Term Goals
Short-term goals are stepping stones that lead to your ultimate aspirations. They are specific, actionable, and achievable within a relatively short timeframe. Here are some examples of short-term goals an actor might consider:
- Improve Audition Technique: Work on perfecting your cold reading and self-taping skills to increase your chances of landing auditions.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Attend workshops, industry events, and networking functions to build relationships with casting directors, agents, and other actors.
- Build a Strong Reel: Create or update your acting reel to showcase your range and versatility. This is essential for getting noticed by casting directors.
- Land an Agent or Manager: Research and approach reputable agents or managers who can help you find opportunities and guide your career.
- Take on Diverse Roles: Challenge yourself with different types of roles and genres to expand your range and experience.
Identifying Long-Term Goals
Long-term goals are your big-picture aspirations. They provide direction and purpose, guiding your decisions and efforts over an extended period. Here are some examples of long-term goals for actors:
- Achieve Financial Stability: Aim to make a sustainable living from your acting career, whether through film, television, theater, or commercials.
- Gain Recognition and Awards: Work towards receiving critical acclaim and recognition, such as awards and nominations, to establish your credibility in the industry.
- Develop a Signature Style: Cultivate a unique acting style or niche that sets you apart from others and makes you a go-to choice for certain types of roles.
- Expand Your Skill Set: Continuously improve and diversify your skills by taking classes in areas like voice, movement, or stage combat.
- Break into New Markets: Aim to work in different markets, such as transitioning from theater to film or breaking into international markets.
How John Rosenfeld Studios Can Help You Achieve Your Goals in Acting
At John Rosenfeld Studios, we offer a comprehensive program called “Practicum” designed to help actors identify and achieve their personal goals. This four-week course, consisting of four-hour classes each week, includes rehearsals and homework to ensure you get the most out of your training.
During these four weeks, you will:
- Identify Your Personal Goals and Fit in the Business: We will guide you through a process of self-discovery to pinpoint your aspirations and determine where you fit in the industry.
- Work on Audition Technique & Self-Tapes: Our instructors will provide hands-on training to enhance your audition skills and create compelling self-tapes.
- Explore New Genres: Dive into different genres, including Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue, the heightened emotions of soap operas, and the procedural precision of crime dramas.
- Complete a Final Week Project: Each actor will work on a personalized project that showcases their growth and skills, providing a tangible milestone to mark their progress.
By the end of the Practicum, you will have a clearer sense of your goals, a stronger audition technique, experience in new genres, and a completed project to add to your portfolio. Enroll in our Practicum at John Rosenfeld Studios to take control of your acting career and turn your aspirations into achievements. If you have any questions about acting classes at JRS, please feel free to contact us