Pages

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Persistance pays off

Blogging has been a little light, the past week or so, because I've been quite busy; which is always a blessing for actors who are perpetually unemployed, or what we euphemistically call "in between gigs". Just finished shooting a short film (for a festival) and a spec commercial, and have been prepping for an upcoming trip for a 2 week project that I'm very excited about.

This coming Monday I leave for a theatre several States away, and this will be the very first time I won't be driving, which should prove interesting. I feel lost without a car, so the loss of independence will be a major challenge. They do provide access to a shared vehicle (thanks to our Union rules) but it's not quite the same thing as being able to just pop in my car and drive where-ever I please. I adore exploring new environs, but we'll probably be very busy, so am hoping I won't miss it much. Thankfully, the theatre is within walking distance, so won't have to worry about that issue.

This upcoming project came as a total surprise. I had worked at this theatre 10 years ago, and although the Artistic Director (who hired me) is no longer there, I kept in touch with one of the Artistic Associates. By that, I mean I sent him updated headshots and resume's, copies of reviews etc., Christmas cards, and although I never heard back, I kept at it. So, a few weeks ago, out of the blue, I get a call asking if I would be available for this project. I was, so I accepted and off I go.

In this business people will ask you to keep in touch, if they like your work, and so I do. Most of the time you never hear back, and many people just eventually give up. Not I. I plug away hoping that someday they will get so tired of all my updates, they'll just break down and hire me, or hire me again. 1 theatre I had never worked at before, hired me after 4 years. The longest was after 12 years. And now this theatre after 10.

There is a fine line between being a pest and showing interest, and hopefully I fall into the latter category. But I've been learning that persistence does pay off, in the long run. And it's applicable to all things in life.

Thought I'd just share that with my blogging buddies.

I will keep blogging, as I have some posts that I have been working on, and I will check in on your blogs, though I might not have time to comment, all the time.

18 comments:

Pat Jenkins said...

i am glad you have been able to make an impression, and i am for sure it because of your ability. incog when all is said and done i look forward to someday getting a chance to see your work!! good luck i know you will be a hit!!!!

Ottavio (Otto) Marasco said...

Like you, I too have been busy of late hence only two posts this past week. Work combined with domestic issues have been soaking up my time. Now you are probably wondering, if I am so busy what am I doing here here commenting?

Commenting on fellow bloggers sites (that is, those bloggers that visit and comment on my blog) only takes a minute or two as I can usually frame a relevant response in minutes.

Just quickly, your persistance is admirable. As Napoleon Hill once said, "no one drifts to success'. As I read your post, I felt that you have, indeed understood the distinction between sincere aspirations leading to appropriate and measured action as opposed to mere hope combined with inaction and passiveness. You appear to be in touch with your source of power, it's embedded in between your words. Persistance will pay off.

Enjoy and all the best!

Law and Order Teacher said...

It is interesting to read about your struggle for work. I haven't been through that as I have worked in the police where our business is always good and teaching. I admire your persistence and drive in pursuing your career. Good luck and I hope to read more in the future.

WomanHonorThyself said...

good on u Hun..when are u performing on Broadway so I can see ya! :)

Frasier said...

It is always interesting to hear about the world of theatre.I remember you saying"My car and I are one"so I am going to send you my deepest sympathies !!

Incognito said...

Thank y'all, my friends, for your good wishes!!

PATJ: Ya never know... ;-) I do work out of town quite a bit. If I ever get to yor parts, I will let you guys know. Am hoping this leads to more work. We shall see.

AI: You're right. You won't get anywhere if you sit at home waiting for the phone to ring, in my biz. You have to be very pro-active. So, even though we have a lot of down time, it is filled with auditions etc. And actually, yeah, I do the leg work and leave the rest up to God. Much easier that way.

LAWANDORDER: Makes you appreciate your life, eh? ;-) Thing about this biz is you can't measure your success. One year can be great the next not. You just never know. But I have been very blessed.

ANGEL: Some day, I hope. Keep your fingers crossed.. :-)

POO: Thanks for the laugh!

HD said...

Way to go Incog!!....
All the best for your coming assignments.....

Anyways i enjoy reading your blog.. so gonna add your blog's link on my blog....hope ya don't mind......

Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poet said...

I think you would make an excellent saleswoman!!

Karen Townsend said...

I am so happy your persistance is paying off big time! Faith in yourself and keeping in touch with connections is a winning combo in most fields!

Good for you. Break a leg.

Anonymous said...

"There is a fine line between being a pest and showing interest,"

A VERY fine line. Best of wishes.

Blazingcatfur said...

Best wishes Inc. When you heading to Hawaii?

Missy said...

Congratulations, Incog! Persistence definitely pays off. I understand about not having a vehicle. I would prefer to drive and then be able to run around a bit!

Good luck...er.. Break a leg! :)

Incognito said...

Thank you HoneyD! I'd be honored. will do the same.

PAN: I guess I kind of am a saleswoman, in a sense. Of myself. That sounds weird, but... :-)

KAREN: Thank you, so much. It really does pertain to all fields.

JOHNK: Yup. At least I hope I'm not. and thank you.

BCF: Thanks buddy. Sept!! Yay! Taking the laptop and dig. camera... :-)

STRAWB: Heh. I'm so independent,but I think we'll be busy enough I won't notice. Thanks for the good wishes.. :)

Reliapundit said...

great.

happy 4 u.

good advice 2.

Dionne said...

Congrats and much continued success!!

Anonymous said...

Persistence is paying off, good for you. I also enjoy reading about the theater world. Hubby and I love theater, especially Broadway plays. Here in Tennessee we have to travel to Nashville or Memphis to see a show. Good luck on the new projects.

UGN said...

Good luck! Sounds like an exciting opportunity!

Incognito said...

Thank you Relia, Dee, Deb and UNG! This project *is* exciting, so can't wait.

That's great you support the Arts, Debbie, cos funding is slowly depleting.