Professional Challenges of Actors: how to ensure a healthy mindset and positivity
The career of an actor is complex. Constant auditioning… Frequent rejection... Inconsistent earnings… And yet, actors often describe a deep sense of belonging and connection to their work, viewing acting as a “calling” and a “way of life.” As a former actor, and now as a clinical psychologist who has worked extensively with those in the performing arts fields, here are several guidelines I’ve found to be essential in order to maintain positive mental health amidst an often-turbulent career.
Understand the occupational demands.
A career as an actor poses numerous challenges! Research shows that a staggering 95 percent of New York stage actors are not engaged in stage acting at any given time. With limited and inconsistent financial earnings, many actors rely on “survival work” or jobs that are done purely for economic survival, which can leave them with little time to pursue their artistic endeavors. For those fortunate enough to be cast in a performance, long separations due to touring can place significant strain on relationships. Physical injuries are also commonplace, as many actors report suffering from repetitive strain injuries due to the overuse of their bodies and an inability to rest.
Consider your relationship with alcohol.
Research suggest that actors are consuming alcohol at levels well above the World Health Organization’s guidelines for healthy consumptions. This may be due to the professional culture of drinking, which includes drinking at the end of a day’s rehearsal or performance, and while attending other actors’ shows. While the negative impact of drinking can include long-term alcohol dependence and performing while intoxicated, research shows that actors have identified many benefits to their relationship with drinking, including facilitating social support and building employment networks. Some actors also use alcohol as a source of inspiration, as the use of substances allows them to perceive life through a new, altered lens.
Recognize the psychological benefits and risks.
Through repeatedly preparing for and taking on a role, actors can be psychologically affected by the process of acting. Research suggests that some benefits of acting include an improvement in one’s sensitivity and empathy towards others, a growth in one’s sense of identity and self-understanding, and an improvement in one’s interpersonal skills. Some methods of psychotherapy also include the creative processes found in acting, such as “role play”, in order to explore personal issues, re-write one’s life narrative, and release new patterns of behavior. While research has demonstrated many benefits to taking on a role, there are also a number of psychological risks to acting; some actors have reported not feeling like their usual selves or have had difficulty letting go of the emotional content in their performance. Other actors have described feeling triggered or re-traumatized, as a result of portraying or witnessing traumatic events in a performance. Finally, some actors have reported difficulties in identifying the line between self and role and bring their personal issues, rather than the character’s, onto the stage.
By keeping in mind these guidelines, my hope is for actors to make informed decisions about their career and feel better prepared to navigate the ups and downs of a turbulent, yet fulfilling career.
Dr. Alex Seife
The clinicians at Vienna Praxis are experts at helping high powered professionals address their inner struggle and help them find renewed strength to make more confident decisions in life. If you are interested in a 15 minute free consultation to see if this would be a good match for you, please contact us.