Becoming an actor is no easy feat. The only constant in this career? Uncertainty. The entertainment industry is in flux, and many actors are still waiting for that long-promised wave of auditions to roll in. In 2024, the phrase “survive until 2025” echoed across social media, offering hope that if actors could just hold on a little longer, everything would change.
Well, April 2025 is here. We made it. And… not much has changed.
So, what now? How do actors stay motivated when the industry still feels unpredictable and slow-moving? How do we keep surviving?
Activate Your Marathon Mindset
An acting career isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. And like any athlete, actors can burn out if they don’t take time to rest, recover, and reset. It’s time to unsubscribe from artistic paralysis and tap into your inner Olympian.
Here’s a three-step recovery process for disillusioned actors ready to stay in the long game—and ultimately, achieve success:
REST: Reflect & Renegotiate Your Relationship With Acting
Sometimes, an actor’s relationship becomes codependent. You give everything, and it keeps asking for more. But here’s the truth: you’re allowed to renegotiate the terms. To step back emotionally. To stop chasing and start choosing—what aligns with you, what nourishes you, and what feels like you!
If you’re feeling burnt out and want to throw in the towel, it might be time to shift your emotional relationship with acting. This feeling is completely normal and will come up many times throughout your acting journey. Don’t quit—you just need a little space to take a breath and untangle your self-worth from your resume.
So rest. And when you’re ready, you can return to acting. But this time, with healthier boundaries. No more proving. No more chasing. Just a renewed connection—rooted in balance, love, and self-respect.
You are still an actor—even when you’re resting, even when you’re healing. The industry will still be here. But more importantly, so will you.
RECOVER: Prioritize Creative Self-Care
For artists, creative self-care is just as vital as physical or mental health. Reignite your love for the craft by engaging with art that excites you. Watch a new series that sparks curiosity, revisit your favorite musical, or watch that comfort movie that reminds you why you started this journey.
Creative recovery can also come from exploring other forms of expression—try pottery, painting, songwriting, or any outlet that makes you feel satisfied. You can even blend creative and physical self-care: read a script while walking on a treadmill or listen to an audiobook during a hike.
Treat your artistic spirit with the same care as your body and mind—nurture it regularly and honor it fully.
RESET: Do It For Love of The Game
Once you’ve rested and rekindled your joy, it’s time to re-enter the arena. But this time with a reset mindset.
Stop measuring success by the number of auditions or the quality of your representation. That path leads straight to burnout. So much is beyond your control. Instead, focus on creating work that makes you proud and lights you up.
Put yourself on tape just because you’re excited about the scene. Experiment with lighting and camera angles for the fun of it. Join a class that challenges you, or get some friends together to do a read-through of your favorite screenplay.
The most successful artists don’t just hustle—they love the game. And they know how to rest, recover, and reset when they need it.
How John Rosenfeld Studios Can Keep You In The Long Game
At John Rosenfeld Studios, we’re here to support your long and fulfilling creative journey. Whether you’re seeking guidance, collaboration, or a strong sense of community, we help you stay grounded with a marathon mindset and surrounded by people who get it.
Classes at John Rosenfeld Studios
Our in-person and online acting classes cater to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned actors. Focused on skill development, scene work, and audition preparation, our classes not only help you refine your craft but also provide a space for you to connect with other actors. Building relationships with peers in a supportive environment can lead to lifelong friendships and professional partnerships that are necessary to stay in this business for the long haul.
Audition Coaching and Support
Auditions can be stressful, but with our professional audition taping and coaching services, we help you stay relaxed and showcase your best self. Our experienced team offers constructive feedback, ensuring you’re fully prepared for every opportunity. Whether this is your first audition in a while or the fourth one this week, sustaining a solid relationship with a great coach who gets you will ensure you feel proud of every tape you submit, regardless of the outcome.
Mentorship and Community Building
As an actor, it’s important to develop relationships with other actors and industry professionals who can guide and mentor you. JRS provides a community where you can learn, grow, and feel supported by people who understand the highs and lows of acting. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking for a new perspective, our workshops at JRS can help you build connections with the right people in your industry and harness new skills to add to your resume!
Join the JRS Community & Thrive in 2025
Whether you’re fresh to the scene or years into the hustle, John Rosenfeld Studios is here to help you grow, stay inspired, and keep your head in the game. This industry is tough—but you don’t have to just survive it. With the right tools, mindset, and community, you can thrive. Join our community today.