This can be one of the most challenging issues an actor has to face. In almost no other profession does a person have to regard, so overtly, how others perceive them. It can be disheartening, and frightening for some. This requires a significant amount of strength and confidence most people “in the real world” I feel, do not possess (watch any reality show – if you feel my opinion is inaccurate).
To not only be completely comfortable in one’s own skin, but also accept whatever that “skin” is; realizing all at once, what it is that dictates your market, as well as possessing the ability to separate oneself and acknowledging that that “skin” does not define you as a person.
Does that make sense?
FOR EXAMPLE: I have come to learn that I have a propensity to playing “Assholes” quite well, and easily for that matter. Moreover, I may also have a vibe that some might call “creepy.” (NOt always - it all is a matter of opinion, but I do know certain CD's, directors, etc see me this way) However, if I am to work, I must not take offense that label, embrace it, and use it to my benefit. After that, I must be confident enough to have awareness of that type, and embrace that they neither describe, nor define me as a person (though there are many that would probably agree with the label of “asshole” but I digress).
Take a real, hard look at what you are usually cast as.
The friend?
The villain?
The boy/girl next door?
Gay?
Creep?
Be Honest.
You also may want to start asking trusted friends/mentors WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS somehow. People outside this industry don’t quite understand how this works.
One great exercise I participated in was in Los Angeles, at The Actor’s Network. They hosted “Typing” seminars. All you did was sit in front of a group of strangers (usually all actors). Based on how you dressed that day (you would decide how you would present yourself), the group would circle different words that best described you:
Professional
Flirty
Dirty
Sexy
Fun
And the list goes on.
You would then collect all of them at the end of the event, and count how many times certain words were circled…you’d be surprised how many people (who did not know each other) perceived the same thing!
If you can find something like that, I believe that is the best way to find out what your type is.
Now the hard part – embrace it, and proceed accordingly!
