"When you value yourself as an artist, you begin to accept that your time is yours to command. You don’t have to accept just any job to get your name out there. I often share with my clients the example of Stockard Channing on Inside The Actors Studio. Don’t even get me started on how much I love and respect Stockard Channing. When asked how she determines the roles she accepts, she said that she must be able to answer “Yes” to TWO of the following three questions:
- Does it pay?
- Is it a good business move? (“This theatre company is a step up from the ones at which I’ve been working.” “I should definitely be working with this director.” “This role would round out the ol’ resume and reflect my brand.”)
- Is it a role I’m burning to do?
If my Stockard can not answer “Yes” to two out of three, my Stockard says “No.” Guess what, Savvy Actors? It’s okay to respectfully decline an offer when it doesn’t meet the standards of what you are looking to do as an artist! By the way, when you let go of a potential unsatisfying gig, you’ve just created the space for the the gig that does meet your professional needs to enter in its place. O Savvy Actors, embrace your inner Stockard!"
(Shapiro, Doug. "Finding Your Inner Stockard." The Savvy Actor. 5 Feb. 2010).
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