Preparation and Participation Go Hand In Hand

 It’s the taking part that counts

We’ve all heard the saying right? “It’s not about winning, it’s the taking part that counts”.  I want you to focus on the second part of that phrase and remember it.


I teach and coach a lot of students and there seems to be a similar theme in a lot of them recently, where I’ve found myself regularly promoting participation. 

I’ll give a few examples.

  • “I have an Actors Access page but I haven’t activated it yet”

  • “I was asked to audition for a student film but I’m not sure if I’m gonna submit”

  • “I have been given the email address of a casting director who’s casting a project I know I’m right for but I haven’t emailed them yet” 


After we discussed these things, I helped my students discover for themselves what the clear reason was in their decision making. Here’s the truth they courageously shared:

  • “Once I go ‘live’ with it, I’ll feel more professional and what happens if I never book a job?”

  • “What if I don’t even get picked to do an unpaid gig?”

  • “What if they don’t like me or don’t even respond?”


The throughline theme here is fear, right?! It makes sense to me that something in each of these students was telling them it’s safer to be in preparation mode than to actually jump in and participate in the thing they were considering doing. 


Here’s the magic about that - once they UNDERSTOOD their thinking , then the perspective shift made them feel much more confident. Because the truth is:

  • You might be exactly what someone has been trying to find for ages but they didn’t know you existed because you’re not on ‘Actors Access’.

  • What if you DO get picked and that student director wants to continue collaborating with you on future PAID gigs?

  • What if they do?! Casting offices WANT to know of any and all talent that could solve their casting puzzles. Let them at least have the option of you.


Now look, I am not someone who is gonna tell you to say yes to EVERYTHING in life. I have made many decisions as an actor and a teacher where I have turned down work or stepped away from opportunities for any number of reasons, but the MOST important component is that I understood WHY I was choosing that.  

If there’s something you’re putting off, or something you’re saying “no” to, just make sure you are really honest with yourself as to WHY?! 


I’m still continuously in preparation mode and I’ve been participating in a successful acting career for over 20 years.


PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION CAN HAPPEN SIMULTANEOUSLY


I’m here to tell you that, in general, you are READY! 


When fears bubble up - which they inevitably will in each of us because what we do requires courage and vulnerability - how about we reframe the situation and consider what we do as an act of service?!

You are providing a service to the industry by giving them YOU. 

They at least need to know you’re an option. Jump in. You got this.


Keep up the great work


Mark 


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