#129: Going, Going… Gone.

Thursday 12/26/24

Christmas is behind us and I have to say… I really missed not doing a Christmas time show this year. I was doing them pretty regularly every year for as long as I can remember til 2019. That was the last Christmas season show I was in - Beauty and The Beast at Centenary Stage Company. In 2020, clearly not. 2021 was still weird. 2022 I finished The Spitfire Grill just before Thanksgiving so while it wasn’t a CHRISTMAS time show, it still felt festive to me. Then last year and this year - nada. As you know, I was REALLY hoping for A Christmas Carol at Tuacahn which would’ve been unreal but it just wasn’t in the cards. 

In total reflection, I don’t think I actually tried very hard. I didn’t go to as many auditions as I needed to to secure a gig. And, i simply must own that. I think in general it’s easy for actors to deflect and blame the outs like “oh they wanted XYZ” or “oh that person does this” or “they only cast local” or whatever… it’s so simple to give an excuse. And while some may be valid, I also have to reflect on my own behavior. I did not do all I could’ve. I didn’t try all that hard. I tried hard on the callbacks I had but I did NOT put myself out there in a strong way. I hardly went to any auditions! Who can I blame by myself?!

It’s actually harmful to blame the phantoms and allow all of us to operate in an excuse mentality. I see it in myself and my clients and friends CONSTANTLY. The fact is, that most of the time, we didn’t really do all that much. Why are we upset or frustrated with the result? We have to start with ourselves. 

As you know, i’ve been talking a bigger game about 2025 and this upcoming audition season. I plan to hit the road hard, but also I run a business so I have to be more planful, more intentional, and more focused. That’s my key word of 2025 - intentional. I’ve got a 2nd lease to pay for and must secure a good acting gig. And, if TikTok goes away, I’ll need to hustle harder in all ways. 

Big things coming but only if we can truly reflect and be honest about where we’ve been. No point in coddling myself. If I want bigger things, i have to behave differently to achieve them. Looking forward but also looking back to not repeat what got me here :) 

We’ll see you back here on Monday 1/6! Time for little break post holidays!

Dreams Don’t Die

Julie