Acting-Related Things Actors on Hiatus Can Do

For actors on hiatus: Embarking on an acting hiatus doesn’t signify idle time; rather, it is an opportunity to embark on a different kind of performance:

• a performance of self-improvement,
• skill refinement, and
• rejuvenation.

Hiatuses in the entertainment industry can stem from various reasons, be it

• seasonal auditions,
• personal downtime, or
• industry-wide slowdowns.

Regardless of the cause, a hiatus can be a golden ticket for actors to invest in their craft and personal well-being.

[Read also: Why Taking a Vacation Can Improve Your Acting Career]

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Take An Acting Class

Sharpening the tools of the trade

A common misconception among beginner actors is that professional actors don’t take acting classes. When you are working, you practice your craft every day. In between acting jobs, if you go too long without performing, you can certainly get a little “rusty.” There is nothing better than an acting class. Acting classes are also a great way to stay connected with your peers. They may even help you get your next audition or meet your next agent.

Some of the classes you can take online or in person are:

• method acting,

• improv,

• scene study, 

• monologue preparation, and
• accent coaching.

The misconception that professional actors don’t take classes is debunked here. On hiatus, an acting class is not just a refresher but a lifeline to stay connected with the craft and peers. Whether it’s method acting, improv, scene study, monologue preparation, or accent coaching, online or in-person, the choices are vast.

[Read also: 5 Super Practical Reasons To Take Online Acting Classes]

Read Books About Acting

A world of knowledge at your fingertips

Books about acting are plenty! You can borrow them from your local library, order them online, or download them in audio form. 

While we have at least 5 must-read books we recommend all actors to read, there is always something new being released. So, pick your next inspiring read for when you have a break.

Reading books about acting can help you learn about:

• acting methods and techniques;
• the business side of acting;
• life as an actor (from actors’ biographies).

Books about acting abound, and on hiatus, you have time to explore them. From timeless classics to contemporary releases, they cover acting methods, the business side of the craft, and glimpses into the lives of celebrated actors. The power of a good book can be transformative; pick your next inspiring read and let it fuel your artistic spirit.

[Read also: 5 Ways to Explore the Intense World of Method Acting]

Catch Up With YouTube Content For Actors

A feast of shared knowledge

YouTube is a platform full of resources for actors. There is always something to learn. And, by watching acting content, you can always be in your actor mindset!

Some of the free content you can easily find there include:

• acting techniques,
• audition tips,
• actors’ vlogs, and even
• behind-the-scenes content.

YouTube, the treasure trove of free resources, offers acting techniques, audition tips, actors’ vlogs, and behind-the-scenes content. Stay in the actor mindset by delving into this virtual universe, where seasoned actors share their insights and experiences.

[Read also: Content Creation Instead of Moving to LA]

Actors on Hiatus Should Watch Movies and Shows

Edu-tainment for the actor

Watching great actors perform is entertaining. For actors, it is also educational. A great performance can be a masterclass. That is why when on hiatus, actors should:

• enjoy their favorite TV shows;
• check out a movie everyone is talking about;
• learn something different from watching a classic movie.

For actors, watching stellar performances isn’t just entertainment; it’s an educational experience. Dive into your favorite TV shows, explore talked-about movies, and gain insights from classic films. Each viewing is a masterclass in its own right, providing nuances that can enrich your approach to the craft.

[Read also: 3 Reasons Why Actors Must Watch Classic Movies]

Update Your Actor Package

Crafting a Stellar Impression

Your actor package is made of your updated headshots and resume, with a current acting reel or some acting clips. When we are busy, we often forget to look at our materials to see whether or not they could use an update. Actors on hiatus should use their downtime to:

• update their resume;
• update their IMDb credits;
• talk to their agent or manager about updating their materials;
• book a photoshoot;
• update headshots and skills listed on casting websites.

Your actor package – headshots, resume, and acting reel – deserves regular attention. On hiatus, take the time to update your materials. Consult with your agent or manager, book a photo shoot, and ensure they are an authentic representation of you.

[Read also: 4 Ways Actors Feel Unsupported]

Read Scripts and Plays

Immersing yourself in drama – but fictitious

Reading plays is a great way to study acting. Classic plays are still used in acting classes as learning material. So, the more you are familiar with plays, the better. TV and movie scripts are also fun to read. Many of them can be found available online for purchase or free download. By reading scripts and plays, you can:

• study different genres,
• learn about different character types, 
• be familiar with different writing styles,
• find a few interesting monologues to perform. 

Scripts and plays are windows into diverse worlds of storytelling. Reading them broadens your understanding of different genres, character types, and writing styles. Familiarize yourself with classic plays and contemporary scripts, and you may even discover compelling monologues for future performances.

[Read also: An Artist’s Picks of Life-Changing Movies]

Update Your Acting Clips

Showcasing your evolution

Creating new acting clips is always a good use of your time. Since a reel or at least a few good acting clips are an important part of your actor package, you should always make sure those materials are up-to-date.

Use 1-minute clips to showcase casting types and special skills, such as:

• your strongest genre;
• your cast type;
• the type you want to be cast as;
• a second language;
• accents you master;
• other skills like dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments. 

A dynamic actor evolves with time. Creating new acting clips during your hiatus ensures that your reel remains current. Use these clips strategically to showcase your casting types, special skills, and the diversity of roles you can embody.

[Read also: 5 Reasons Why Talent Clips are Better Than Acting Reels]

Master a Special Skill

Expanding your artistic arsenal

Actors on hiatus can always use the time to learn a special skill. Useful skills for actors include:

• Accents;
• full fluency in a second language;
• sports and physical activities like advanced yoga;
• dancing and singing.

Actors are not just performers; they are artists with diverse skill sets. On hiatus, invest time in mastering a special skill – be it accents, fluency in a second language, advanced yoga, or dancing and singing. These skills not only enhance your versatility but also open doors to unique roles.

[Read also: Rejecting The Idea of Rejection]

Actors On Hiatus Can Be Producers 

Transforming downtime into creative endeavors

It is more common than known that successful actors love producing their work. Actors on hiatus can use their time to explore producing something they can perform in. Your hiatus will turn into work, and another acting credit on your resume!

A few examples of work you can produce include:

• Theater plays;
• short films;
• a web series.

Many successful actors are also producers of their work. On hiatus, consider producing a theater play, a short film, or even a web series. This not only transforms your downtime into productive work but also adds another credit to your acting portfolio.

[Read also: 6 Reasons to Never Pay to Be in a Talent Showcase]

Connect With Industry Peers

Networking for success

Networking is important to keep you in the know of the business. Actors should always connect with fellow actors and other industry professionals, especially when they are not busy.  A few ways to connect are:

• Sending a quick “hello” via DM to a fellow actor you met but haven’t kept in touch with;
• emailing industry peers (from casting directors to fellow actors) to congratulate them on a recent project;
• attend industry events;
• invite the cast of your last job to a fun meet-up.

In the acting business, connections are invaluable. Use your hiatus to connect with fellow actors and industry professionals. Send a friendly message, congratulate peers on their recent projects, attend industry events, and nurture relationships that can be sources of motivation and inspiration.

[Read also: 3 Types of Industry Pros Actors Must Network With]

Relax

The art of unwinding

Just because we are giving you acting-related suggestions does not mean we don’t think downtime should be used to relax. Sometimes the best tip is to enjoy your break! The next big opportunity may come at any time!

Some things we suggest you do to relax are:

• take a vacation;
• walk around your neighborhood;
• get a massage;
• sleep in.

Do not forget the importance of relaxation. Downtime is not just for professional growth but it is essential to maintaining a balanced and healthy life.

[Read also: 4 Unspoken Reasons Why Actors Turn Down Roles]

Conclusion

Remember that downtime is not necessarily a pause but a change in rhythm. These 11 suggestions are your toolkit for transforming a hiatus into a period for

• growth,
• creativity, and
• self-care.

Whether you choose to perfect your craft, explore literary treasures, or join new creative endeavors, the hiatus is an important moment in your artistic journey. So, embrace it!

[Read also: Special Skills: Acting in Spanish]

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