How it’s going being a freelance actress during Covid

If you are a an actor or model without representation you already know that Covid has been anything but kind to our careers. If anything it has forced us to be creative and think out side of the box on ways to get gigs and survive. When I say survive I mean more then just financially, but rather survive in a new world that forces us to isolate ourselves despite our natural instinct to perform. The world of in-person castings have been put on pause and if you are anything like me... you absolutely hate Self tapes! This anomalous time that we are living in has forced us to question our sanity. Ive thought to myself "why did I chose this profession! Why couldn't I want a normal job" at least 5 times today even tho I know I don't mean it. For those who may not know, a self tape is a pre-recorded video audition that an actor submits to a casting director. How hard could recording myself be when I take photos and videos of myself all the time?

I have already struggled pre-Covid with self tapes and more specifically displaying my personality through the camera. The irony of being forced to audition for gigs using predominantly self tapes now is some what comical. I am being forced to confront my insecurities and think of ways to stand out. As an actress I would like to think that I naturally have a spunk to me and cant say that I necessarily struggle with standing out but what I’ve come to realize is that I do struggle with connecting with casting directors when there’s nothing to connect off of. Eye contact, intense/nervous energy and physical feedback has been something that I have thrived from. It makes me comfortable to have other people in the room but I know I had to get over that. Adaptation is important in any industry. Here are some ways that I have gotten stronger and more comfortable with self tapes; realizing that we are in this together and connecting with myself, and just going for it.

Realizing and reminding myself that literally everyone in the whole world is going through the same thing that I am going through is empowering and somewhat mind settling. I’m sure like millions of other creatives Ive always told myself “ I wish I could just quit my ‘real’ job and have more time to work on my craft” and I guess my wish has been granted! Covid has shifted the industry whether we have realized it or not.

Since March, isolation and Covid has forced me to confront myself. Everyone always emphasizes making a personal connection with the character that you are portraying but seem to forget that you must first have a personal connection and relationship with yourself. You CAN NOT connect with a character or role if you do not know what triggers your grief and happiness. I hope you are taking this time away from work and peers to truly look within your self to confront your demons. You can’t fake connection and directors can see what there is a disconnect.

I realized that if I consciously want and is pursuing to be an actress in a world that tells me to have a plan b, then I am some what crazy I suppose. We were not created on this earth to be like any one else. Once I realized that I realized I am unique therefore I give every casting my all whether its in person or over tape. Some day I will stand out to the right people!

Other ways we can stay creative is self-producing content on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. The whole word is bored and stuck in the house right now. What better way to connect with millions? We have been presented with a rare opportunity to set ourselves apart using the internet. It is up to us to put in the effort to better ourselves and everything else will follow!