Acting & Trauma

I had a lovely chat with a potential client last night. Chats with clients regularly become heart-to-hearts.

With aging and adversity comes wisdom, if you’re open to it.

A lot of actors are very self-conscious about aging and I get it. It’s weird to feel one way, look another, and be judged for what you cannot control.

As I approach a half-century, I’m thankful. I love my face, even if it’s not always comfortable for me to look at. I love seeing it change. I love the lines, that they tell a story. It’s a new chapter to explore.

People who have dealt with adversity are able to reach a depth of emotion others may lack. It helps connect to and empathize with the suffering. I was telling the client last night that hardship is gold in your back pocket. It’s just part of learning what it means to be human.

Sometimes, I experience a new emotion, even negative, and it’s like a new color or flavor.

Even today, I had to stop rehearsing for a live audition because the weight of the scene began to emotionally propel me and I didn’t want to do things backwards. Simultaneously, I was very proud of myself to deliver a performance someone else enjoyed. If it helped them escape their day in some small way, that’s great. After, I had to fight back being emotional from the scene. I hope the CD didn’t think I was in a bad state.