Chelsea Morgan

As we slowly inch our way into better weather (haha, not really because Chicago), I've been running around town like a madwoman from audition to audition. And I'm not sure what it is, but I feel like I've been on FIRE.

I was feeling down in the dumps coming out of the crusty winter months, and decided to sit down with a friend of mine who is a fellow actor. He's been experiencing some wonderful successes lately, and I was doubting that I'd ever get cast again. (This is an irrational fear. A silly one, but after a barebones winter, it felt very real). I had no idea how to fix this problem for myself. And my friend suggested that I do one theatre-related thing every day. He told me to take classes, see shows, and put myself out there as much as possible. And I cannot thank him enough.

My first agency submission!

This business is very difficult at times, but not for all the reasons one might think. I knew going into theatre that I would be poor and largely out of work. I knew that auditions would be my primary job. But I didn't know how to pass the time in between gigs, and I certainly didn't know how to motivate myself to be a better artist. Not that I do now, of course. I'm still a wee young thing learning all the time. But I at least now have a better idea of what to do. I think the biggest trap that an actor (or any artist) can fall into is not producing art all the time. Occasionally, breaks need to be taken, but there is a difference between a break and a lame excuse to not audition. I had forgotten how much I love this. I even love auditioning. I love how exciting theatre can be. And when you are stuck in inertia, it is very difficult to get yourself moving again. 

Submission materials

But I did. And now I'm doing things that I had no idea I was supposed to be doing. I'm submitting myself for projects instead of waiting for them to come to me. I'm active in pursuing auditions instead of finding reasons not to go. I'm taking classes and challenging myself to do things I'm uncomfortable with. Like monologue auditions. And dance calls. And who knows if any of this will lead to a part or an award or a "connection." Who cares? It has already led me to better things. New friendships. New challenges. But most importantly, a renewed belief in myself. 

What's your spring motivation going to be?