Is there a viable path of integrity?
There is no easy way to survive as an actor, and especially as an older actor in Idaho. This became more clear when I did a research paper last semester for a class at Boise State University, on the subject of career outcomes for Theatre Arts graduates in the state.
Of course it’s not impossible, but a successful theater career in Idaho would immediately place one in the outlier category.
There is another factor that is blatantly obvious, but not much discussed, among those pursuing this career. And that is that many times, actors are paid to humiliate themselves. To illustrate this, simply pay attention to a few commercials on television or YouTube. Actors are exaggerated, pandering, and clownish in every imaginable. way.
When this is pointed out to actors, they invariably reply, “But those commercial actors are making good money.” This is not a satisfactory reply if one actually values one’s dignity.
And the degrading roles and situations are not limited to commercials. The theater industry has historically been considered on a level with prostitution and circus performers, on a very low rung of integrity and desirability.
Keep in mind that I am not talking about the fortunate few who enjoy the adulation of celebrity, but the countless others who struggle to make a livelihood in the theater industry.
There is something strange in theater being ubiquitous at elementary schools and early education, and then becoming such a compromised profession as soon as it leaves the educational realm.
For a few reasons, I am attached to this profession, and I feel obligated to at least attempt to survive within it. I will elaborate these reasons in later posts.
And given the landscape, it seems that to come through it with a semblance of self-respect, it is important to exercise as much control as possible over the content of performances. This has been a major factor in my choosing to perform the Gospel of Luke.
Not only does this align with my previous audiobook and radio broadcast experience, the nature of the story is truly interesting, as is the profound effects of this story on American culture.
This is something that I can devote myself to without feeling compromised or degraded. It’s relevant and important. What remains to be seen is whether I can pursue this project in a way that can sustain me, and possibly open new paths to future projects with integrity.
