My advice for actors? I’d say the No. 1 thing is to focus on being interested versus interesting. We spend a lot of time as actors focusing (dare I say obsessing?) on ourselves. Honing our craft through class, choosing the right clothes for the audition, going to the gym to keep our bodies in shape—all useful things. Now I want to say: Stop it. Get outside of yourself. It will actually make you a more fulfilled human being, in addition to a more inspired artist. Here are some ways to get started.
Cultivate a sense of inquisitiveness and openness. Read the news. The real news, not Actor News. Having an understanding of the world around you will feed your inspiration and put your own life into perspective. I can’t tell you how helpful it was during the process of working on “Fiddler on the Roof” to have access to New York Times stories and photos of Syrian refugees.
Go to museums, especially in NYC, where we have access to a wealth of resources. Whether preparing for a specific role or seeking inspiration, you have a grab bag full of goodies at your fingertips. Recently I enjoyed the Jewish Museum and YIVO, the Institute for Jewish Research. I also love the Met and the Whitney.
Get out of the city.
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