Hello, Cambio readers! I am typing to you today from the business class section of a Boston-bound train from New York City. Needless to say, I am feeling pretty glamorous and oh-so-adult. Yesterday was my 25th birthday, and I am finally coming to terms with the fact that I have accomplished a lot of my childhood dreams. It is a truly wonderful feeling -- one that I want to share with you! Here's how you can act in a Sundance drama and earn your seat in business class (or whatever your equivalent of that is).
First, realize that several key factors were essential in building my career as an actress and musician: a support group, talent, passion, courage, work ethic and respect.
I would be lying if I said my parents are not a huge reason I am where I am. Well, obviously, they made me. But I would not have been able to receive all the training I did without their monetary,
emotional and physical support. It is so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and genuinely want to see and help you succeed. There is enough rejection in show business; you do not need that from your friends or family.
Talent, as I mentioned before, does play a big role. Know yourself and your strengths. If you are better suited to be an engineer or almost anything else, do that. Show business ain't no cakewalk. If you have talent, it will fuel your passion because you will have the courage to trust in yourself.
Passion for storytelling is essential. Storytelling is what it is all about. But should you think you can skate by just on talent alone, you would be wrong.
A strong
work ethic (goes hand in hand with passion) is essential for creating a lifelong career in entertainment. Take classes, watch movies, listen to lots of music, read books and analyze the artists who inspire you. Do the work; seek training from knowledgeable coaches and practice.
Lastly,
have respect for everyone who helps you along the way. Including yourself. Respect where you are, respect where you have been, respect the process.
The cool thing about life and show business is that no one gets to the same place the same way. Everyone has a different story of how they got to where they are. And if you have the courage to stick it out through the hard times, a career in entertainment can be so fulfilling. You get to meet so many cool, interesting, different and talented people. You get to travel -- a huge incentive for me choosing this field! And you will have the joy of knowing you are helping others by co-creating.
Now go out there and GET YO LIFE!
Catch Allie Gonino on SundanceTV's THE RED ROAD, Thursdays at 10/9c.