Smfa : The Ninja Within

by Gillespie, Bonnie

• ISBN13: 9780972301909
• ISBN10: 0972301909
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-05-01
• Publisher: Scb Distributors

Summary

Author Bonnie Gillespie has done it again! Her wildly popular "Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business" has spawned a series of classes, a podcast, an online course, an app, and a worldwide tour. Actors all over the planet are learning how to control what few things they do control in pursuit of a creative career.Using the SMFA principles, this pocket guide encourages actors to embrace their power as storytellers, to "lurk then lead," to strengthen the Web of Trust, and to remember the love in this pursuit.So many actors block their own success by focusing on other actors' journeys, by dwelling on rejection, by not celebrating what they can do--daily--to rejoice that their creative path is filled with the opportunity to change the world.Look, we're not curing cancer in show business, but maybe we're bringing relief to someone as they're going through chemo, through the stories we help tell."SMFA: The Ninja Within" is filled with short reminders about the mental game you're facing. Flip to a page, get a quick shot of badassery, and then get to work!

Excerpts

If you play the odds, there's no reason to ever attempt a career in show business. If you live your dreams, there's no excuse not to.Have no attachment to the outcome of your auditions. You did good work; you've done your job. That's all that's up to you anyway.Don't spend time trying to help folks who DON'T get you understand you. Invest your time in the folks who get you; they'll invest in YOU!This journey, this pursuit, this life... make it FUN. That choice is yours.Any time I see someone succeed, I am happy, for it affirms my belief that I live in a world where success is possible.An audition redirect doesn't mean you got it WRONG; it means they liked you enough to ask to see you do it another way.By trying to be everything to everyone, you successfully accomplish only one thing: Not being yourself to anyone.Don't ever think this career choice will be an easy one. That doesn't mean it won't be WORTH IT, but it will challenge your spirit sometimes.Being new does not mean you do not have any relationships. It simply means you are developing relationships, earning a reputation.No one hits a networking event hoping to become an expert on YOU. Even if you're the topic of conversation, it's not about you. Relax.If a friend only loves you when you behave a certain way or accomplish a certain thing, that's CONDITIONAL LOVE. Um... no thank you.When those around you are doing well, that means you're in a peer group for which things are happening. This is a good thing!If you can find joy in the PURSUIT of acting, then whether you succeed or fail, you've won. Because the pursuit IS the life of an actor.What are they looking for once you're in the room? The Three Cs: Character, Choice, and Commitment.Impossible is just an opinion.You never know what the reaction to your creation will be. Get involved with something you REALLY LOVE and cultivate it. That feeds your soul!How much permission from others do you need to be who you want to be?Every moment you spend focused on something you don't like, you are celebrating its poison.Audition advice: Have fun; don't suck.Live your dreams. If you don't, someone else will!