As summer heads towards its inevitable end, and the reality of returning to school becomes all too real, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on my summer spent living with actors. Living with other actors of various backgrounds gave me a new way to look at my profession, and these are the things I learned.
No matter how hard you try to avoid seeing/listening to the newest Broadway Musical (Hamilton), it will take over your house. I came into this summer not having seen or heard the Hamilton soundtrack, I am now proud to say that I know EVERY word to EVERY song.
Your house becomes a stage away from the actual stage, whether it's doing breakout musical numbers, speaking only through Shakespearean dialogue, or practicing accents, there is always some piece of theatre that is being performed in the house, especially in the shower. Shower time is prime time to work on lines and music because let’s all admit it, the bathroom has amazing acoustics!
I began to frequent the gym more and eating healthier. Though I still play competitive basketball and try to eat healthy, I have never eaten healthier and worked out as much as I have this summer. Plus, I always had a group of people who would hold me to my health goals and a guaranteed workout buddy!
I not only grew as an actor, but I grew as a person. This group of people, who have to tap into emotions they might not feel or go through things they have never dealt with and portraying them onstage as if they were that character, were the most caring people I have met. They are raw with their emotions which makes them understanding. They made me a more compassionate person and pushed me to become a better version of myself, supporting me through anything.
Though summer is ending, this chapter of my life will forever continue to grow; these people were the family I never knew I had, helping me become a better actor, person, and friend. So what’s my advice to you? LIVE WITH AN ACTOR!
