The Positive Path For Actors
How To Stop Second-Guessing Your Talent & Start Kicking A$$ In Your Career
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AUDITIONING There are acting coaches, there are auditioning coaches, and then there’s me — a hybrid of them both, with a touch of life coach thrown in the mix. A GOOD AUDITION DAY STARTS WITH BEING ON A POSITIVE PATH - every day. This chapter on auditioning starts with how to be on the Positive Path, every single day. Not just the days you have an actual audition, but ALL DAYS. You don’t just become an actor when you have an audition. The identity you’ve chosen is, I am an actor. This means that taking care of your instrument, you! This is your number one priority. Knowing your own self and being able to infuse your work with authenticity and how to create a genuine connection is what I teach. This all means taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. The best way to do this, in my opinion, is by embracing rituals and routines. Being in your flow gets you to go - go - go! Rituals have a powerful trickle-down effect, they help you to lead a positive life. I tell my students that routines are important to train yourself and your mind. They also help keep you in balance and give you the structure necessary to support and enhance your acting life. Plus consistency is a great way to develop healthy patterns. For example, healthy eating equals a healthy body, which gives you a healthy mind... which supports you in choosing to have healthy people around you. This allows you to think more clearly and make clear choices in your scripts as well. It helps create a positive energy power bubble that will help strengthen your resilience and protect you from anyone or anything that would drain your power and creativity. Staying on your positive path takes focus and determination, but it’s worth it, that mindset is key to propelling you to success. A Wake-Up Call Topping the list of must-have routines for actors, and for anyone, is creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While I believe everything in moderation is a sustainable way to lead your life, you have to keep in mind that in this industry, you are the instrument that you are playing. To finely tune it so you’re in top condition, you’ve got to always be conscious about what you eat and that you exercise and get enough sleep. I don’t care nor will judge what body type you are born with; I only care about what’s going on inside of you. I encourage you to make choices that nurture your ability to be healthy and proud of who you are. My advice is to stick to foods that are healthy with lots of vegetables/greens (I live on salad) and organic, as much as possible in order to allow your instrument to be open, fluid, sparkly and clean. You really are what you eat and so if you eat unhealthy fast food, you are going to feel clogged up... stuck, uncreative, essentially you’re bloated. Your instrument must be open and fluid. Treat it kindly with healthy food that will fuel yourself long term. Stay fluid, remember to drink lots of water throughout the day. Acting can be taxing on your soul. What you look like may matter in a type, but if you are CONFIDENT in your skin, then you will shine. Insecurity can be sensed the second you are in the room and can make casting directors feel uncomfortable. As an actor, it is up to you to live your life to the fullest and feel good about yourself. This also includes taking care of your mental health. Life is hard and being an actor is even more difficult, so do what you need to do to protect your mental health. Food, relationships, exercise, therapy if you need it. It is no surprise why so many actors and artists tend to abuse alcohol or drugs. Actors feel so much. Be honest with yourself about your use of substances to deal with the highs and lows of the business. If you think it’s getting in your way - seek help. There is no shame in having negative feelings or flaws. Honesty about real fears and problems can be your greatest asset. Do not be afraid to talk to a trusted friend or professional about anything going on in your life that may stand in your way of continuing on your positive path. Get enough rest. Sleep is the number one priority if you want to be able to function clearly on a daily basis. It affects you on multiple levels, from filling you with energy and vitality to giving your brain a much-deserved break. Recommending a bedtime routine where you relax, unplug, and be still so you can get that recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night. If you can, sneak in a 30-minute nap to revive yourself in the afternoon. Your Daily Morning Ritual is Crucial How you start your day, in my opinion, is critical to starting each day with your feet firmly planted on the positive path. Even if you feel down, try to give yourself a mantra or an action that lifts you up and gives you a positive push into the day. For example, you could make it a point to call or send someone you care about a text to tell them you think they’re fabulous. Being of service and encouraging others is a great way to start your day off on the right foot. Commit to waking up and getting out of bed within five minutes of your alarm. Consider what you’re grateful for as you start your ritual. This is the simple secret to being a positive path actor and person!
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About the Book
Acting isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. It makes you open your heart, expose your vulnerabilities and share your authentic self… over and over again. If you want to be the kind of performer who has an endless well of inspiration, creativity and rock-solid techniques to pull from, then there’s only one way for you to go: The Positive Path. And there’s only one person to take you there: top Hollywood acting coach, Shari Shaw. For nearly two decades, Shari has helped thousands of actors score dream jobs while leading a life that they love. Now, Shari shares her secrets in this must-have, how-to guide to stop second guessing your talent and start kicking a$$ in your career, including: The 7 steps to successfully break down a drama or comedy script Transforming your “Pain Pit” into your “Power Pit” Building your positivity bubble for professional & personal protection Turning your memories into rocket fuel for acting Self-care rituals for positive actors Exercises to relax, visualize and actualize success “I look forward to working with actors who have worked with Shari Shaw – they have talent, confidence and do their homework. It makes my job easier and more fun!” - Pamela Fryman, Director/Producer, “Merry Happy Whatever,” “One Day At A Time,” “How I Met Your Mother” “I’ve seen Shari in action with her students a number of times. She’s a delight to watch. She’s straightforward, yet constructive in her criticism. She’s also super encouraging when she talks about an actor’s life. If I were an actor — I’m not, it’s way too hard — I’d feel as if I were in great hands.” - Mark Wilding, Executive Producer, “Good Girls,” “Scandal” “I truly enjoy coaching with Shari before an audition. Her pointers and breakdown of character are always helpful. Plus she likes to run the material with you endlessly which really prepares you to be comfortable, focused and ready to go.” - Roselyn Sanchez, Series Regular, “Devious Maids,” “Without A Trace,” “Grand Hotel” “Shari is amazing! She helps you look at a script and really find the comedy that works for you so it’s really genuine and authentic.” - Danielle Macdonald, Starring in “Dumplin’”, “Unbelievable,” “Patti Cake$,” “Birdbox”
About the Author
SHARI SHAW is the artistic director of Shari Shaw Studios (Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta) and creator of signature techniques for comedy and drama that bring actors to the next level. Known for her high-energy classes and individual coaching, Shari lives to see her students succeed. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her hosting her uplifting podcast or coaching on-set for TV and major films.