And Above All...Don't Give Up On Your Dream!

by Mario A. Campanaro

And Above All...Don't Give Up On Your Dream!

by Mario A. Campanaro

"Giving up is the easiest thing in the world to do. That’s why it’s the initial response of so many nowadays: to just give up. But giving up is the only way to be absolutely certain you won’t make it. So why not believe in yourself?

There will be times of struggle, sacrifice, and compromise. Welcome to life. But you must persevere, especially in those moments when the external world reflects every reason why you shouldn’t, when it feels like you just can’t, or even when you simply don’t want to. It is precisely in those moments, when it matters most, that you must keep going so your focus sharpens and your will is strengthened.

It’s not about going around it, over it, or under it. It’s about going through it and knowing you will make it through. It’s about being disciplined in the pursuit of your dream and unwavering in your commitment to your craft. It’s about staying devoted, staying disciplined, and holding yourself accountable throughout the process because you love what you do.

And collectively, it is about knowing that there is, and always has been, and always will be, greatness within each of us, greatness worthy of doing the work we love with all our heart and soul.

But here’s the thing: consistency is the key. Get the dream out of the dream state. Dreams do not come to fruition without intent, discipline (a wonderful form of self-love), dedication, devotion, some sweat equity, and committed, consistent action.

Surround yourself with other committed, like-minded, professionally oriented actors, artists united by a shared purpose and passion to explore, discover, learn, grow, evolve, expand, share and support one another in the ongoing cultivation of the craft of acting.

Study, train, and exercise in a safe yet rigorously challenging environment, one where every actor is expected to show up and respect the work, the process, and their fellow ensemble members, ready to truly do the work.

Keep it your sacred space where dedicated artists come to find their tribe, their creative family, their artistic home, their ensemble.

We all hold the keys to our own minds, keys that shape the choices we make. We can use them to unlock the door and welcome in the self-created inner saboteur who convinces us to resist what we know we must do. Or we can choose to open the door and welcome in the self-created inner professional who inspires us to commit to doing what we know we need to do. Either way, both are decisions.

Here’s the thing: the honest truth:

You have to want it. You have to want to learn, to grow, to refine your craft, and to unlock the innate talent you were born with. You have to choose to be that kind of artist and to surround yourself with others who hold and live by those same professional artistic standards.

If you really want things to pay off, if you really want a shot at this, you have to work your butt off for it. You need to exercise every muscle, personally, artistically, and professionally, so that it all supports you in every area of your career.

You must remember that this is a business. And let's be honest, it’s not a forgiving one when it comes to a lack of accountability, professionalism, or responsibility.

As an artist, you must be the CEO of your own corporation. You are your business, and you need to hold yourself accountable for everything necessary for your success.

This means no complacency.

No laziness.

And above all, don't give up on your dream!

Persevere!"