Why are actors so insecure?

Photo Credit: Miss Wetzel’s Art Class via cc

About Sanna Haynes – I’m an actress and I teach acting. I write screenplays. I paint, draw, dance ballet, I sing, I am horrible at tap dance (trying to work on that one), I visualize films in my brain, I yoga it up most mornings, I like to organize.

In addition to acting, I private coach, and I also teach acting. I am a screenwriter, and I am now in the production side of filmmaking. In addition, I am also a blogger, and a YouTuber. I used the word “I” a lot in this paragraph. I apologize. I.

Actors: The Most Insecure People on the Planet

UGH.

I really, truly, completely, and severely hate this fact.

However, at the end of the day, it is still a fact.

A look at insecure actors in history!

Why are actors some of the most insecure people in this world? Why do we constantly second guess ourselves and our abilities?

Maybe we should look at the history of actors…

6th Century, B.C.

Thespis breaks away from the Grecian Chorus to become the first principal actor ever. where we get our term “Thespian.”
Late 6th century B.C. on

Greek Theatre begins to flourish, by means of the festival of Dionysus.
Onto the early middle ages

From the very beginning, actors (mainly working in traveling troupes) are viewed with distrust. Actors are believed to be promiscuous liars, since what they act on stage must be true, right?
Late seventeeth century

Women first allowed on stage. Actresses, although viewed with a sense of celebrity, were considered a couple steps above prostitutes in regards to morality. (historical distrust of women? surprise, surprise)
Early Twentieth century

We begin to see our first “movie stars.” Historically, actors have been middle class or lower in pay grade (with exceptions). This is the first time actors begin to earn large amounts of money.
Early 1930s to 1960s

Hollywood earns it’s reputation as a scandalous place. Even though many movies were free of what many consider “immoral” content, Hollywood was a place that many would consider “without virtue.” (I personally believe that Hollywood is more moral now in many ways than it was in the beginning days … but that is just my opinion.)
Today

I think everyone knows the general consensus of actors at every level. Highly paid actors are morally corrupt and set apart from the rest of society. Actors “trying to make it” lie and cheat their way out of “real jobs” and maybe are a bit lazy, too.
Phew!

Coupled with a profession that provides continual failure, dead ends, and financial woes, no wonder actors are the most insecure people in this world.

Actors – Its time to celebrate yourself!

Maybe this should change? Just maybe?

Perhaps we actors should begin to view ourselves for who we are, not what we do.

Just a thought.

Maybe we shouldn’t listen to the voices around us that attempt to tear us down at every opportunity.

Yeah.

And maybe we could take steps to build ourselves up?

Examples:

“I didn’t book that job, but I really felt good about what I did in the audition. Probably my best audition, yet.”

“I can finally join SAG! Good for me.”

“I didn’t get the lead in that commercial, but they offered me another part. They must have liked my audition!”

And et cetera. You get it. Really a cheesy method. Despite this, I really believe in speaking positive words over yourself. This can be critical to breaking out of insecurity.

Let’s get beyond these actor stereotypes. We have better things to think about.