Do not act in a vacuum

As actors and artists, we are tasked with accurately portraying humanity, and the world around us. While reading ‘An Actor Prepares’ over and over again may help us understand the process of being an actor, don’t think that is the whole piece of the puzzle.

“Anything you take an interest in as an artist, you will be able to use in your work” - Robert Downey Jr.

This doesn’t just mean learning an instrument, teaching yourself to juggle, or learning a language. Yes, those are tangible things that agents and casting directors can see you do, and they are useful, but it goes so far beyond that.

Do you have an interest in philosophy, or politics? Maybe you love anime, comic books, or gaming? Or perhaps you’re an avid home chef? 

You can use all of that in your work.
Everything you do, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, makes up your worldview, which culminates in how you approach character and text, how you interpret it, and ultimately, how you play it. Even if you don’t realise it.

So don’t deny that part of you that is sick of putting down scenes in your bedroom and just wants to go out bird watching! It will inform yourself as an artist and as a human.