Though I am an actor, I have learned that there are many reasons to try on ALL hats. One of the most important hats of all: Producer.
Why?
- it’s a confidence builder: if you can produce a play/webseries/film etc then you can do anything
- you learn SO much being on the other side that can become valuable tools/skills you can apply to your acting career
- learning important life skills: time management, effective verbal communication, effective written communication, assertiveness, assuredness, organization, negotiation, etc
- you become a better actor (you get to watch the entire process of the actors in your play or film, different actors = different processes)
- learn the ins and outs of submissions and benefit from others’ mistakes
- learn to be a better auditioner by being on the other side of things
- you become a more grateful and appreciative actor (no more last minute comp requests to your already stressed-out producer, or no more schedule changes to an already challenging film schedule)
- the people you meet and the connections you make
- getting your SAG card
- ensuring your face shows up on at least one film festival big screen and not in the hard drive of yet another empty-promises producer/director
- bragging rights: Wanna come see my show? I literally made it happen.