For the last few months I have lost motivation to become an actor, is it possible to gain the passion back?

Question

I have always loved acting. I have been acting for a long time, but I find myself putting it off (memorizing lines or focusing) until later. I have found myself tired a lot lately doing other things (i.e unmotivated to read, clean, or do other work). I used to love memorizing lines even if I didn't have to, but now all I do is sleep! I want to be able to leave a mark in this world and I thought it would be acting but I find myself less motivated now. Is this just a phase? Do I just have to find the right project? I don't want to end up as a "has been" english/drama teacher even though sometimes I feel like that is where I am going to end up. It wouldn't be too bad, but I just find theater so interesting and I never had to force myself before! Can I get the passion back???!???

Answer 1

think about why you started. watch your favorit movie or read your fav. play. stop thinking about it, maybe your mind needs to be in other places for you can get back to were you need to be.

Answer 2

There is an old expression "a writer writes", which means that an author will write even when not sparked by a great idea or somehow blocked.

Passion is powerful but it will come and go, we just have to keep doing our work and hone our craft. Maybe find another aspect like accents or make up or research -- anything that amuses you that is related but not specifically geared to the next show.

We rely on the rush of the show to carry us, theater has such short deadlines we ride that energy so much that when we don't have the 'next one' we tend to coast some -- kinda lost.

I've been doing theater for almost 30 years now -- it's my life, my job and my passion -- and yet, I've sat on my *** for the past month watching old movies, sleeping late -- I think it's just August, it seems the entire country is either in a funk or a daze.

Some people will say that it's passion that drives you, that you can't NOT do it and that it's in your blood.
But, some day's is just work. And a professional goes back to work because it's what they do.

It'll be fun again.
Something will excite you if you keep working.
There are no 'has beens' if you are still working, even if it's as a teacher.
Yeah, it's depression -- but it's also just human to ramp up and down -- especially in this crazy business we call show.

Break a leg ... and merde!

Answer 3

I suppose that "slumps" can occur to people in all professions; why should acting be any different?

I've gone through a couple of stretches myself where I didn't think I'd ever go back to the boards. For me, these periods were usually brought on by an especially unpleasant theatrical experience. And, as you might expect, what would get me jump-started was the opportunity to participate in a STRONG production.

You ask the question: "Can I get the passion back?" The answer, I'm afraid, is "maybe." I wish you well, and hope you get the outcome you desire. But, even if it turns out that you CAN'T re-kindle the flame...at least you'll know for certain, and you can get on with whatever comes next.

Answer 4

Consider another possibility: that your long experience as an actor has actually been preparation for what you're really meant to do. I know many people who started as actors, because that's one of two main ways into theatre (the other being tech)---who burned out on acting, and then realized that everything they learned from acting was in fact what they needed to do in order to...direct! Or write. If you know that theatre is where you truly belong, but acting isn't doing it for you anymore, ask yourself whether you can take your understanding of character, your knowledge of how a play is staged and produced, your experience with text analysis, and so on--and consider whether what you thought was your actual career was in fact just preparation for being a really terrific director or playwright. Especially director: some of the best directors I know spent years as actors--and that's what made them qualified to work WITH actors, because they 'd been one. Plus the ability to affect the WHOLE production, not just one role in it, really reignited their passion. And they turned from tired actors into brilliant directors.

In short, don't give up. And don't consider yourself a has-been. Just take stock of the skills you've acquired from your years of acting, and consider whether you've reached the point where you simply need to move from one area of endeavor in the theater into another, where your skills can really be of use. And good luck with it.

Answer 5

Make the count number... The secure thanks to drop some pounds is dropping 2 kilos a week. So in case you favor to lose 15 kilos you'll want about 2 months in case you favor to do it in a healthful way. eat as healthful as conceivable, about 1500 energy each day, drink a large number of water and do a minimum of one/2-hour of cardio 4 days a week and 20 minutes of ability coaching two times a week.

Answer 6

It sounds like depression to me. And having depression doesn't mean you have it as a life long illness - lots of people suffer from depression that's caused by their current situation. I recommend seeing a doctor about it.

And yes, I'm sure you can get the passion back.

Answer 7

I suggest that you get involved in a production of a play that you really enjoy. For me it was a local production of "True West." Even if you can't get a role just get involved. All it takes is one good show to remind you of why you got into theater.

Answer 8

Just think that you are not doing it to be famous. It should not be your goal. do it because you really love it, and you, believe it or not , are leaving a mark. Maybe you are just tired and you need time to get your passion back.
good luck

Answer 9

You are already an actor. Go ahead.

Answer 10

How's your health? Are you taking care of yourself?