For many actors, the most challenging and non-redeeming part of their careers is the “business” of acting. Here are a few reasons some actors dislike the business. Feel free to add yours to the lot.

· My time and talent is not respected.

· Nowadays, everybody wants to be an actor and seems to be.

· After years of college and work experience as a professional actor, I still need a second job to make ends meet.

· It feels like I have no say or control over my career.

· Actors know more than most directors and producers.

· Where are the roles for African Americans, Asians, Latinos, women…?

· Who do I have to sleep with?

· I did the workshop and Brad Pitt got the role.

· My career is like playing “Mega-Million” hoping one day I will hit it big.

· In the mean time, I’ve sacrificed stability and family.

Most actors in today’s entertainment industry are aware of the enormous changes that have occurred in recent years with respect to the economy, the advent of reality TV, the Internet, diversity, and struggling unions. As much as you can see advancements, changes in the playing field juxtaposed with the growing demands of your personal life makes advancing your career seem all the more challenging and frustrating.

The industry can often seem unsympathetic and inconsiderate to the starving artist who has long paid their dues. The stress and frustration of working 9 to 5, with the reality of repeated rejection at auditions, and days of feast or famine leaves some actors drained with little energy left for thinking about maneuvering the business of their art.

Playing the industry game is difficult when an actor is struggling with their personal life and making ends meet. Further, when you are already concerned about acing an audition, meeting a new agent, paying rent on time, and questioning quality of life, something has to give.

The key is recognize that the business IS challenging and you must quickly come to terms with the reality of the business. As a professional actor, you must integrate who you are with what is expected of you. Recognize what you must do to develop relationships necessary for your success. You must determine how far you will go and how much you are willing to sacrifice in order to succeed. Affirm that you will protect yourself, your family, your relationships, and that which you most value. Be yourself. Be authentic. Dance to the beat of your own drum.

Being in the industry can feel like a major compromise. Many actors mask their identity and their true feelings. They feel like they are selling out when they are nice to casting directors they don’t really like and accepting projects, they don’t really believe in. They feel obligated to go to a theatre event. They make excuses to avoid a reading. Not smart. It’s not just what you do but how you do it and with whom. Relationships matter. Relationships are key to an actor’s longevity. If you decide you want to play the game in the entertainment industry, take advantage of opportunities to meet with people and build relationships. You can do this and still be “you”.

You don’t have to sacrifice your integrity. A good director trusts an actor who knows himself and engenders confidence. Sacrifice your integrity and you sacrifice your credibility.

Be graceful. Be a chameleon. Dance your way as you adapt and communicate in each relationship. Become dimensional and flexible in your thinking and being. Do you!

Sandra is a life and career coach. If you have questions and comments about being yourself in the entertainment industry, feel free to contact her at info@sandradaley.com or visit her at http://www.sandradaley.com. If you liked this article, you might also enjoy “Notes to the Actor I : Business Savvy”