Thoughts on being an actor.

My friend, Travis, recently had the following conversation about acting with his younger brother:

Travis: Pursuing a career in acting is like a ride at Disneyland. You’re outside, and you wait in line. And then, you finally get inside and there’s another line, but at least you’re inside. And after you wait some more, the next step is finally getting on the ride. And it’s awesome!

Brother: But the ride only lasts 30 seconds.

Travis: Yeah, but they take a picture of you and you have that picture for forever.

Brother: But you have to pay for that picture. 

Travis: … Thanks for your optimism.

They kind of lost me at the picture part of the analogy, but the sentiment is nonetheless depressingly true. A huge part of being an actor is playing the “waiting game”. It’s easy to forget that just because the line is moving slowly doesn’t mean it’s not moving. Eventually, you’ll reach the ride. And sometimes the ride is too short, and sometimes you get motion sickness- but sometimes it’s way cooler than you could have ever dreamed. It’s the not knowing that gives you the stamina to wait.

I’ve been in a “waiting” phase the past few months. I know I’m not the only one, and I know the wait won’t be for forever. All I can do is keep at it, be persistent. That way, when the line starts moving quickly, I’ll be ready to hop on.