Live Your Creative Genius—No Matter What
This is my first ever blog post. So I have questions. What to say? Convey? Do I start with some warm-up jokes? How do I write without seeming pretentious? It’s a lot to consider. Honestly, I’d never considered writing a blog—but a few people I trust and love have asked for it, and I have to appease my #1 fans! So here we go. Introducing my Inside Scoop Blog (now with 75% less pretension!).
My creative mantra is: Generate your own opportunities. To actors, writers and performers, this idea may seem elementary—but it’s often overlooked and/or forgotten. I’ve seen countless actors fall into a routine of waiting—waiting for someone to get back to them. I’ve known talented people who sit stagnant and idle, waiting for fleeting calls or opportunities. Because waiting is your only shot to work right?! Wrong. Truthfully, much of the opportunity in this business is in the hands of directors, agents, and casting directors. They wield the power of when and what we audition for. It’s a real pisser. I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to work with several equity theatre companies in Portland for years. But the reality of the business is, if the role isn’t there, you don’t have a shot. But rather than becoming complacent or dejected, I channel this disappointment into homegrown creative opportunities.
No one can stop you from creating your art. Well, maybe YOU can—but other than that, no one can. No one can stop you from networking with other artists in a similar situation or taking a writing or filmmaking class at the local community college (which is crucial). As an evolving actor, I’ve found that coursework is imperative to develop my writing and filmmaking skills. If you’re waiting and not filling the space with ways to improve your art, craft, or skills, your wasting time. Because you know what? The other creatives waiting beside you, those folks are continuing their education and creating their own work. I recently enrolled in Digital Cinematography at The NW Film Center and a screenwriting class at Portland Community College. I improved my competence in filmmaking and writing, but equally important, I met and built relationships with other writers, actors, and filmmakers. And the people I met in these classes, these folks are my community, they’re the people I’m collaborating with to developing projects.
We’re inspiring each other and making things happen in this grey, “waiting space,” because we’re not going to put our creativity on hold. To be a working creative, all you need to do is continue being creative – without being limited by the finicky business of it all. It’s crucial to keep momentum towards satiating your artistic needs, as well as improving your craft and building relationships. So keep talking with your peers and collaborating through reading and writing scripts or plays. Get out there and shoot shorts. Take a class. Make (beautiful) mistakes. Whatever you do: don’t wait for the industry to give you the chance, seize your artistic destiny and create your own opportunity!
With gratitude,
Chase