Too Many Pies?

I've been a little slack with posting this month - my apologies for that are infinite. I've spent a huge amount of time that I could be writing mulling over what I should be writing about. Or more specifically, what I should be doing with my life which I will later write about. 

This is because every interview with an actor, article about a successful writer or or comedian's memoir seems to say the same thing. It doesn't matter whether they made it overnight or whether it was a thirty year long, hard slog: they all say the same things. Work your arse off, develop your talents and focus. 

It's the last one that gets me. Although I'm a bit sporadic and sometimes undisciplined I do work hard - often eschewing weekends and adequate sleeping patterns to get things done. I attend masterclasses, workshops and more to develop my talents in various creative fields. I'm lined up to take acting classes again (more on that in another blog) so, although I could improve on this, I'm certainly in the game. 

But what does 'focus' mean? I focus on the things I'm doing when I'm doing them. Usually. Yes, I'm being facetious, I know that's not what they mean. They mean "Hey you, if acting's your thing then get a flexible job and spend the rest of your time and money on becoming an actor". They mean "If writing's your thing, set up a writing schedule. Then get a job that fits into this or go wild, get a crazy ass job and write all about it". Successful producers, casting directors and agents have tales packed full of internships, scaling the ladder from entry level PA jobs and spending mornings calling and recalling every company in Contacts. 

So as I sit here in London with a file full of producing notes for an upcoming production in Brighton, email confirmations for acting auditions, plans for a meeting in Canterbury for my comedy club and a deadline to update a radio script I wonder, "Are my fingers in too many pies?"

On a first reading of the previous paragraph I imagine the answer will naturally be yes. And if we're going to subscribe to the concept that it's only by really truly focusing on your one true love that you'll 'make it' in that field then the answer is still yes. How can I possibly be serious about anything if I'm willing to entertain other possibilities? If I want to be an actor why am I dabbling in playwriting. Or vice versa? But is this rock steady devotion to one goal really an option nowadays? 

I appreciate that in the days of repertory theatre or, at least, of fairly regular work it made sense to direct all your energy into one activity. However these days, the majority of UK actors constantly working on refining their art will be doing so by creating the work themselves, attending classes or performing unpaid. The rest of their time will be spent making a living in a way often unassociated with acting: telemarketing, teaching, temping, promotions etc. Ian McKellen recently bemoaned the fact that 'the current generation of actors won't develop into good middle-aged performers because they won't have been able to live from their work'*. It's not quite as bad for all creative professions but it is still pretty difficult to work full time as a writer, freelance producer or dancer. 

Look, I understand that if you're serious about becoming an actor there's a big difference between taking on a job that you're happy to ditch when a good gig comes along and committing yourself to something like writing a play or producing an event. I can see the arguments that, as mind numbing and painful as it might be to hang your life on the line and work and pray for that big opportunity to come along, it has to be done. It's the sacrifice you make for wanting to do something so crazy with your life. 

But then I flip the coin and I realise that, by taking on different roles in theatre and/or film, these individuals are making sure that they are constantly immersed in the industry, that they know exactly what's going on, who's who and understand the business from all angles. In fact aren't they, to some degree, recreating the opportunities that repertory theatre afforded actors? When they'd start off as lowly stage sweepers and rise through the ranks of the company with single line roles right up to starring in each and every production. When they'd be witness to every great actor's performance, every director's quirks and every script's nuances. 

So, should we be maligning or applauding those who are too impatient to put all their eggs in one basket? Is it hurting my chances or increasing them? Or in this crazy world we call show business are there really way less rules than we make out? Is it, at the end of the day, each to his own? I hope so. 

*http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-news/9678384/Sir-Ian-McKellen-there-will-be-no-more-British-acting-greats.html