20 Myths of Acting

1.    I’m not fit to be an actor.

There does not exist one type of person who is “fit” to be an actor. Actors come from all different backgrounds and experiences that give them their own special touch to add to their art. Never limit yourself or believe that you are not capable because of who you are. Who you are just may be who they are looking for.

2.    If I can become perfect at acting, then I can succeed.

This art is never mastered. If you think you are the best actor you can be, then you are already boring. Not everyone who can act gets walked into the spotlight. These actors work incredibly hard in an underground niche, build their abilities, and come out when they are ready.

3.    Walk on anyone you have too to make it to the top.

This statement could not be more wrong. Once your head gets this big of an ego, it is time for a reality check. When it comes to acting, there is never one person involved. Therefore, everyone should be treated with respect every step of the way. The moment you treat someone as lower then you or not good enough is the moment you lose connections, and most importantly your reputation. You are not the only one achieving in this industry. The assistant you snapped at yesterday could be your casting director tomorrow.

4.    All actors are loud and outgoing.

Many actors are loud and outgoing, but there are also many introverted talented actors. In fact, many introverted actors become more respected since they have not given away their life stories, which often make it extremely difficult for their audience to imagine them as the characters they are trying to portray. It is great to have a balance of outgoingness and a humble learning ability when it comes to acting. It does not matter if you are shy off set or on stage, but how you come alive on it.

5.    Actors make a ton of money.

Famous actors may, but may I remind you most of these spent at least 10 years before fame quite broke. You must be willing to do what you love regardless of money, and eventually you may get your reward. If can’t find success in acting unless “you make millions,” then you may not love the art as much as you think.

6.    If you get trained or take classes in acting you will lose any natural ability.

It is pure ignorance for anyone to assume that acting only requires natural ability. Of course, actors should observe when certain techniques might be making them too mechanical. However, every aspiring actor should be opened for the opportunities to learn more. There is no end to the education of acting!

7.    Acting is not difficult.

Acting may look easy, but that is because you are watching an experienced actor. They have been able to finally learn how to be comfortable, relaxed and this all takes time. If acting were not difficult, then every aspiring actor would make it, but that is not the case.

8.    Acting is always glamorous.

This may appear true when you are watching your TV set, but that is just the after party. The real work is on set where the work hours never end and the need to be perfect is constant. Never assume that something is glamorous, for there is more ridicule then glamour in show biz.

9.    People like actors.

Not a great reason to start acting. If you’re looking for fame Hollywood loves to criticize and in order to succeed it is important to be confident and happy with just being you. If you do things for acceptance or for people to like you, then you are seeking too much from others and may never feel good enough in the spotlight of societies twisted views.

10. If I don’t give up, I will succeed eventually.

This saying gets passed around a lot, but in order to succeed, you don’t just have to do not give up; you also need to do the right things. This means acknowledging and making certain changes to make you better. If something clearly isn’t working, your persistence and refusal to change may be ignorance disguised, and hurt you instead.

11. If I know the right people, I’ll make it.

Any actor that slips into Hollywood because “they knew someone” may get them in, but it doesn’t get them respect. The knowledge you earn from mistakes and experiences will help you truly make it. Networking is very important, but you still need the smarts.

12. If you’re young and beautiful, you’ll make it.

Big misconception. People assume they have the whole package if they’re good looking and can carry a tune. Acting goes far deeper than the exterior. In fact, just a pretty face can be limiting to what acting requires. There are plenty of successful actors who are not considered “beautiful” and you could say they have more talent for holding an audience without a pretty face.

13. You must live in LA or NY.

Many premature actors fly out to LA or NY the first chance they get to make it big. If that were all it takes to become an actor, then everyone in those states would already be famous. Chicago, Atlanta, Ga., Washington D.C., and Dallas are great examples of other big cities in which you can still find work. In fact, the wisest idea is to probably build your resume in a smaller city and then move to one of these bigger cities to try and do commercials or bigger theater.

14. Get plastic surgery to get you work.

Plastic surgery may get you into Hooters, but it will not necessarily get you the job. In fact, the risks involved with plastic surgery are more against you then for you. Minor surgeries, for example, certain dental work, are encouraged when it enhances naturalness.

15. Lower your standards and pass over your convictions to get a job.

When becoming an actor, you may be opposed to doing certain things against your better judgment and morals. However, anyone who tells you that you do no want it bad enough is ignorant. Every actor is entitled to choose what role or movie will best represent him or her with the beliefs they have. You may not always get to choose how much success you get, but you can still choose how you get it.

16. Take off your clothes to break into Hollywood faster.

This is an unfortunate misconception. Many people who believe posing nude or sleeping around will get them closer to Hollywood have a better chance of being taken advantage of throughout their career.

17. Get discovered and become famous instantly.

This rarely happens and for every actor or actress that this is the exception to, there are 50 more who had to work their butt off to get to the success they have. You cannot choose the easy route, but work hard and discover which is chosen for you.

18. Get a good agent and your career is set.

Networking with people can definitely open doors, but if the people on the other side do not like what they see, they will close them on you. The agent cannot have a positive effect on you more then your talent allows.

19.  Doing Hollywood will ruin your career.

If you have seen the tabloids or the papers, delving into the lives of other people, you will think, “Wow, this show business really destroys peoples lives.” However, certain actors destroy their own lives, by being an easy target for publicity with what they are doing, whom they are doing it with, and so on. You do not see tabloids of Meryl Streep getting into bar fights because she is a respected actress that keeps her privacy and saves the drama for the set. That is a respected actress.

20. Show Business is packed.

There is always a need for new talent. Famous celebrity actors fade in and out all the time, leaving room for brand new talent to take the set or stage. That could be you! Never believe the lie, that they are not seeking talent. Every successful actor has a different story of how they got there and no one is guaranteed similar results. So don’t ask how you will get there, just work hard, maintain a positive attitude, sell your strengths and embrace your weaknesses! Use your weaknesses and turn them into your strengths!

-Actors Nook Team