WHAT’S MY TYPE?

A lot of young actors (and even some not so young) ask this question on Reddit. I even have heard that some people go into an agent’s office asking this question. Think about how crazy this is.

Imagine you are a traveling salesman going door to door. You knock on each door and ask the occupant “Want to buy what’s in my suitcase?” They look confused and say “I don’t know...what’s in there?” You shrug your shoulders and say, “I don’t know. What do you think?” Needless to say, you are not going to have a lot of takers. And it certainly makes a person wonder why you haven’t ever taken a peek inside.

What about you? Have you taken a peek into your suitcase? You are the product you are selling. And who knows you better than you? If not, it’s time for a little self-discovery.

There are many different aspects of your being that make you YOU. Your age, physique (height, weight, complexion) your style (hair length and color, facial hair), chosen alterations like tattoos and piercings, voice quality, regional accents and personal energy. Some of these things you can change for the various characters you can play - some you can’t.

You have been living with yourself all your life. You know pretty much how people see you. But there are many different aspects of your personality. As an actor you can emphasize and build on one or more of your different characteristics. You can adopt new ones. After all...you’re an actor.

As I mentioned in a previous post about finding your type, agents and CDs will often try to compare you to famous actors. You can do this too. Whenever you are watching a film, tv series or even a commercial, keep a look out for actors who you think you might be the same type as. You don’t need to be a look alike. But might you be cast in the same roles if you had the opportunity? Search through print ads and look for “you”. Watch yourself on video. Post a monologue here, and I will help you. Experiment with playing different types of roles and watch yourself.

If you don’t know who you are, how can you play anyone else? You are what you have to work with. You are the instrument you must perform with. Make it your business to get to know the wonderful combination of qualities that make you a unique being in this world. This is what you have to offer this business that no one else has. Only YOU are you. Introduce yourself to yourself and become close friends. You should never need to ask someone else who you are.

*Make sure to read my other post about finding your type if you haven’t already.