No words can truly express how blessed and grateful I am for 2023. My first year as a professional actor validated every impulse and gut belief I held throughout training. I’ve found my purpose, my thing, the thing I would do for free. I love every aspect of the actor’s life, from the thrill of auditioning to the community building through rehearsals. Even the hurry-up-and-wait life of being on set appeals to me, so I can just sit here in my trailer and read, write, make music, or do whatever. Yes, please! From commercials to films, theater to class, I lived as an artist in 2023, and I’m ready to double down on my growth and experiences in 2024.
I’ve heard it said that it takes 20 years to make an actor, and I get it now. Beyond being self-conscious while on set or on stage, you’re also processing all of the novel experiences associated with professional acting. Learning to navigate each director’s approach to their craft, finding a common vocabulary to work with scene partners, and managing the logistics of maintaining work and artistic life balance, there’s a lot to adjust to that can distract from your preparation and performance. My 2024 commitments are all about taking what I learned last year and going further.
- Submit weekly:
Auditioning truly is the actor’s job and a lot of the success I had last year came from consistently submitting - Invest in self-taping:
Last year, I made it by taping on my phone in natural light in my living room. This year, I will invest in a professional backdrop and lights with built-in temperature settings. - Respond early:
When my agent sends me auditions, I want to respond quickly. Cramming self-tapes in minutes before the deadline can be stressful. In 2024, I commit to submitting up to 8 hours before the deadline. - Fail big:
It often takes me a little time to warm up in rehearsal. I’m tentative with my choices not wanting to draw to much attention to me while I’m learning the room and the director. No more. We’re coming in hot. I want to enter rehearsal with big energy. If I fail I want to fail huge and trust the director to reel me in. - Show up off book:
Memorizing lines during rehearsal is distracting. I can’t make discoveries or be truly present with my partner because I’m either reading lines or focused on recalling them. I’m committing to get off book by the first day of rehearsal this year, so that I come to rehearsal ready to play. - Take advantage of filmmaker workshops:
A friend gave me this advice. An actor needs filmmakers, and vice versa. What better way to find independent and short film opportunities than to take classes with upcoming filmmakers. - Stay inspired:
Go to plays, watch films, attend talks, continue to live the life of an artist and make friends - Audition for everything:
I might not be the type, but commit to the performance and submit. It’s not always about getting the job. - Maintain my mind, body, and soul:
Workout, practice TM daily, read things beyond acting, continue to grow as a whole human being - Support your friends:
I can’t make everything, but I’m realizing the power of showing up. I can drop in to see people’s shows and support their art.
So excited for the year ahead. I’m kicking everything off with Tad in 5th City with MPAACT; challenging work, playing a father figure so different than myself. After that, sky’s the limit and I’m ready to follow the flow and enjoy the ride. Who knows what will happen.
Love & light,
Jelani Julyus
