How An AMTC Audition Grew Me As A Person

It started out with going to an audition that I had no intention of going to in the first place. The next thing I knew I found myself signing up, entering the auditioning room, and giving it my all. I enjoyed that moment, and that audition will always be my miracle baby.

Most people would find the costs of Actors, Models, Talent (AMTC) very expensive. I did not let the costs intimidate me at all. In my young life I learned that you get what you pay for, and investing in yourself is a must. Instead of being scared about the things I don't know about, I'm running after the things I don't know about. Its a goal of mine to get stronger in my weak areas, taking the new information I'm learning and applying it. It's transforming me to do so.

I'm not a blogger, but I find myself writing blogs. Like this.

I even challenged my mom saying hey, I'll work on fundraising, budgeting, so I can do AMTC. I'll set up skip a meals! Challenged accepted mommy!

I'm not a reporter, but a little unknown fact. I used to work for the Indianapolis Star, and during my Y-Press days, I used to research, write, and get my stories published. I also used to help find stories to write about. I'm tapping into that side of me once again.

I'm finding myself learning about PR and marketing, and I'm no expert in these areas. The day I decided to learn about the business side of the entertainment industry, was the day I changed. I've grown in ways I can't describe. I can't even begin to tell you how many people I've been in touch with, or how many webinars, seminars, or how many email lists I've signed up for. I tried to keep a list, but there's no point in that, haha. The pieces are coming together. Just from wanting to know how to promote and market my AMTC Indie Go Go Campaign.

I'm taking control of my destiny and taking ownership of my career. Holding myself accountable, writing goals down and following through I can't begin to tell you how much writing things down and having goals are keeping me on task.

I know enough about PR to write a press release, I know how important it is to learn about the business side of entertainment. I know how valuable marketing is. I'm researching specific marketing areas. From an acting side of things, I'm starting to see things from a casting director's and agent's view. It's a every day learning experience. I work on my career everyday.

I'm wearing a lot of different hats and gaining knowledge in areas that I least suspect to push my career to the next level.

I can't wait until the day I pay the people who are experts in these fields.

I wrote this when I was younger, I wanted to pay homage to the original article, but here's an 2022 update. And some life lessons that still apply today.

Here's how I can say the 10 ways that one ATMC audition specifically grew me as a person.

1. I do consider myself a blogger nowadays. I've written for many publications. When I first wrote this article, I was new and just starting out.

2. I do not focus on my weak areas as much. I wear many hats, but if I find that something is not my lane, I will find people that's strong in the areas that I'm weak in. Some may say that you should try to strengthen your weaker areas. But I've found what works for me personally is to focus on your areas of strength, and delegate tasks to others in areas you are not strong in.

3. My whole life: I learned that you get what you pay for, and investing in yourself is a must.

4. Instead of being scared about the things I don't know about, I'm running after the things I don't know about. So many people are afraid to try new things because they are afraid they will fail, the unknowns, the what ifs, and what others will think of them. It's better to try and to fail, then to not ever try at all because of fear. Go for it, you will never know unless you try.

5. You can't let what other people think or their fears stop you from going after your dreams.

6. Sometimes your dreams and visions may be bigger than the environment that you currently find yourself in. This may mean removing yourself from your environment, getting new circles, distancing yourself from toxic friends and family, adopting new skills and mindsets to bloom into the person you're meant to become.

6a. When I finished my ATMC audition, the encouragement was great. Acting and music falls outside the 9 to 5 structure, so people from my hometown didn't see acting as a viable career choice. When I started going to other cities (i.e. Chicago, New York, LA, etc) the environments were more cultivating and positive. Instead of looking at all the ways it won't work out, focus on the ways it could work out, and ignore the naysayers. Unfortunately, the naysayers are sometimes your loved ones.

7. When I first said I wanted to be a Youtuber, friends and family thought it was unrealistic, delusional, and crazy. Where would I be if I would have listened to them? After having some successes with YouTube and gaining a following, it's pure silence. Let people call you names and let them keep talking. They have so much to say when they think you are going to fail, but nothing to say when you are actually successful. Don't go through life not living your purpose because you let your family and friends talk you out of it. You may not fit in, or be misunderstood by your peers, but it's better to be yourself than be someone you are not.

8. Don't talk about it, just do it.

9. Life is so much easier when you realize everyone is not going to think like you. Agree to disagree and adopt authentic learning. Instead of getting angry at someone for seeing things like you see things, try to put yourself in their shoes. Use the opportunity to learn, instead of trying to push your views down someone's throat.

10. The best part on being slept on is seeing the surprised look on people's faces when they realized they messed up for counting you out. Keep working. Things aren't going to always work out. Just keep going and believe your time will come. Sometimes, you might not have all the dots connected or the know how's worked out yet. Insider Tip: You don’t have to know where you’re going, or how you’re going to get there. Just you take the leap of faith and release with an open mind.

At different periods of my life, when it was time for new beginnings, time to shift out of the old and step into the unknown? I just learned to follow my heart and embrace the unknown. Sometimes, you have to accept the invitation to relax, play, and have fun in the process and to leave fear, anxiety or worry about the unknown BEHIND YOU. Take the next steps into your own adventure. By taking a leap of faith, I'm opening to possibilities and new opportunities and have faith in the outcome.

It's about being open to freedom, exploration, wonderment, curiosity, and whatever frees your spirit.

11. What do you have to add?

Also published on Medium.

Hi, I'm Alesha! I'm new to vocal media! I wear many hats. Thanks for reading. If you like what you've read, I'd love it if you like and comment!