Do You Sometimes Want to Quit Acting Because of Negative Criticism?
Some criticism can be too much to handle and make you want to quit acting. Harsh words or plain mean comments can come from internet trolls and even from legitimate sources such as casting directors or acting coaches.
What kind of criticism are we talking about? And how should you deal with it instead of wanting to quit acting?Â
[Read also: 4 Ways Actors Feel Unsupported]
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: We carefully curate our ads and links to match our recommendations. We sometimes receive a small commission at no cost to you when you click through the affiliate links or ads on our website. Click here to check our detailed privacy policy.
Online Criticism
Online trolls can get the best of any actor and make them want to quit acting. The criticism can be of a performance or the actor as a person, such as, “If you were so great at acting you would not have voiced a political opinion.”Â
It may feel good for online trolls to attack someone in a way they would not dare to do in person. So, you should never take those attacks seriously.
“Keep Your Day Job”
This remark implies that the actor lacks talent and should quit acting altogether. However, many actors face rejection and criticism before achieving recognition for their talent and hard work. Moreover, this commonly used mean comment is usually given by someone who does not understand or appreciate acting. Naturally, you should not take it seriously.
“You Are The Worst Actor I Have Ever Seen”
Such a blunt and hurtful comment attacks the actor’s abilities and undermines their confidence. However, acting is subjective. What one person perceives as poor acting, another might interpret differently. Remember that opinions vary and do not define your worth as an actor.
[Read also: The Emotional Toll of Being an Undervalued Actor]
Industry Insiders
Sometimes the harsh criticism that makes you want to quit acting comes from industry insiders and peers. Casting Directors’ and coaches’ opinions are some we usually listen to. For that reason, when they have something far from nice to say, it can be hurtful and make us want to quit acting altogether.
“You Don’t Have What It Takes”
Hearing this from a coach or casting director can be devastating. It suggests that the actor lacks the skills or talent to succeed in the industry. However, not every role or opportunity will be the right fit for every actor. Rejection is a natural part of the process and doesn’t diminish your potential for success in other roles.
Moreover, an industry pro should never judge the full potential of an actor in one performance. So, if you are ever told that you do not have what it takes to succeed, know that that is a poorly expressed generalization.
“I’m Not Convinced by Your Performance”
While constructive feedback can be valuable, this comment may feel like a personal attack on your credibility and talent. Acting is a craft that requires continuous development and refinement. Instead of taking such criticism to heart, actors can use it as an opportunity to hone their skills and prepare better to nail their performances in the future.
No person’s opinion, whether from an internet troll or an industry professional, should dictate an actor’s worth or determine their future. Acting is a subjective art form: what resonates with one audience member or casting director may not resonate with another.
Furthermore, success in acting often requires:
- perseverance,
- resilience, and
- a strong sense of self-belief.
While criticism can be discouraging, actors need to maintain confidence in their abilities and continue pursuing their passion despite the negativity they may receive.
Ultimately, whether to continue pursuing acting or not should be guided by your passion, dedication, and personal goals. No one else can determine your worth or potential. And every actor deserves the chance to pursue their dreams on their terms, regardless of the criticism they may face.
[Read also: #CastMe: The Boring Factor]
How to Handle Harsh Criticism
Acting requires vulnerability, resilience, and a thick skin. It is a craft where artists pour their hearts and souls into bringing characters to life. While constructive feedback can help you grow, there are instances when criticism crosses the line, becoming demoralizing and hurtful. Below are some tips to handle harsh criticism.
Separate Constructive and Destructive Comments
Acting is subjective. What resonates with one person may not appeal to another. Understanding this can help you recognize that not everyone will appreciate your work.
Subjective opinions should never undermine your confidence or passion for your craft to the point that you quit acting.
Constructive criticism provides insights and suggestions for improvement without attacking your worth or talent. On the other hand, destructive criticism is often malicious or ignorant, targeting the actor personally rather than their performance. Learning to differentiate between the two is crucial for maintaining mental well-being in the face of criticism.
[Read also: Maysoon Zayid: Acting with a Disability]
Focus on Growing and Choose Whom You Trust
Actors should seek to get better and better rather than chasing perfection. Each performance is an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the criticism received. When you focus on your journey as an artist and embrace the learning process, you can maintain a positive outlook despite occasional harsh critiques.
Actors should surround themselves with a supportive network of friends, family, mentors, and fellow artists who understand their profession. Your support team can offer encouragement, perspective, and constructive feedback to help actors weather the storm of negativity.
[Read also: Is Talent Enough For An Acting Career?]
Stay Resilient
Resilience is a vital trait for actors, enabling them to bounce back from setbacks and persevere under adversity. While hurtful criticism may sting initially, you must not internalize it or allow it to dictate your self-worth. Building resilience involves:
- developing coping strategies,
- practicing self-care, and
- maintaining a strong sense of purpose and passion for acting.
Moreover, you should always remember why you do what you do. Amidst the noise of criticism, it is easy to lose sight of why you love acting. Reconnecting with your passion for storytelling, the thrill of embodying diverse characters, and the joy of connecting with audiences can reignite the flame that drives you. By staying true to your purpose and vision, you can find the strength to persevere despite the negativity.
[Read also: Why Focus and Passion Matter Against the Odds]
Conclusion
While some criticism is inevitable, actors need to approach it with:
- resilience,
- discernment, and
- a healthy perspective.
Acting is subjective, so we must differentiate between constructive and destructive criticism. We should also focus on growth, seek support, and cultivate resilience. In addition, actors must remember why they love what they do, to navigate the criticism while staying true to the craft.
Ultimately, it is the love for acting and the commitment to the work that sustains actors through the toughest of times, making the journey worthwhile despite the occasional horrible criticism that may make you want to quit acting sometimes.
[Read also: Rejecting The Idea of Rejection]
At Teacup of Wisdom, we share knowledge and insights about the entertainment industry from the actor’s point of view to inspire and empower your acting journey.