Patterns, Rituals, and Your F*cking First Times

Hi There,

Welcome. I hope you’re doing well during this strange time.

It’s been a stormy season, to say the least.

There have been so many moments during this quarantine when I’ve turned to a book, film or podcast and found something in it that brought me comfort, creativity, or ideas. And some of those sources might spark something for you, too.

That’s why I started The Dialogue. It’s not about me—I want to hear what’s stirring you too. So, if there’s something that’s sparked your creativity – I’d love to hear about it.

I’m starting off this conversation with the elements I think are most important to a creative career:

• Tracking progress
• Establishing habits
• Being kind to yourself as you do difficult things

FYI – I just launched a brand-new workshop. If you’re interested, there’s info about it at the end of this issue.

Be well,

JC

I was familiar with Deliberate Practice for performance, but something new occurred to me: if I could find a way to incorporate Deliberate Practice into coaching, I could help actors see real progress.

It took some experimenting, but I think I’ve figured out the approach. Since implementing it, clients have seen a steady uptick in bookings and pins.

This isn’t sexy or innovative. You ready for it?

I take extensive notes about clients, their work, and their progress. Told you it wasn’t sexy.

• Strengths
• Areas for growth
• Direction given
• What worked and what didn’t
• Scene selection

You get the idea.

Patterns emerged. And by reviewing each actor’s individual pattern, I was able to tailor a plan specifically for them. You can do this too.

Keep a dedicated notebook to record everything craft-related that you do. Self-tapes, classes, daily work. Some things to note:

• How you felt at the beginning and end of the class or session.
• Which sides you worked on and why.
• What clicked vs. what put you in your head.
• Any physical or vocal tension you sensed. Be specific.
• Inner monologue, and what it said: harsh criticism, encouragement, etc.

Over time, you’ll have an opportunity to review your notes, looking for patterns. Once you know your own patterns, you can amplify your strengths and work on your weak spots. As an actor, you are the instrument. But you’re not a damned piano. Your approach should be unique to you.

Give Difficult Practice a try—take notes on your progress, and see what patterns emerge.

Let me know how it goes!

[email protected]

She says:

“It’s vital to establish some rituals—automatic but decisive patterns of behavior—at the beginning of the creative process, when you are most at peril of turning back, chickening out, giving up, or going the wrong way.”

Growth is painfully incremental. Success is completely invisible at first and feels a whole lot like failing. Establishing routines that challenge and ignite you is key. Your future self will thank you.

And with everything happening right now, who couldn’t use a routine?

Rereading this book reminded me why rituals are essential. If you find yourself feeling stuck, this book might help you get unstuck. Filled with a ton of exercises designed to get you thinking in new ways, and best rituals you could establish, The Creative Habit will get you moving on creative projects.

Purchase on Amazon:
http://jamiecarroll.me/creativehabit-amz

Purchase on Barnes & Noble:
http://jamiecarroll.me/creativehabit-bn

Purchase from an Independent Bookseller:
http://jamiecarroll.me/creativehabit-indie

Or, check the stacks of your local Public Library.

Once the excitement of trying something new wears off, we must confront the reality that we’re about to be bad at something.

Actors and creatives are constantly doing things for the first time. First time auditioning for a television show, first time on camera… No matter how long you’ve done it, this business means a lifetime of firsts.

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston. She has spent twenty years dedicated to studying the effects of shame, vulnerability, and empathy. In the debut episode of her podcast, Unlocking Us, she cuts through the BS and talks about her three-step guide to dealing with FFT’s. (F@#$ing First Times).

If you enjoy the podcast, don’t miss these episodes:

• Brené with filmmakers Jay and Mark Duplass (The League, Morning Show)
• Brené with Dr. Marc Brackett of Yale University on Permission to Feel

Find Unlocking Us on Apple Podcasts:
https://jamiecarroll.me/unlockingus-apple

Find Unlocking Us on Stitcher:
https://jamiecarroll.me/unlockingus-stitcher

Or find it on your favorite podcast app.

Upcoming workshops include:

• Erica Jensen, Calleri Casting – May 18
• Austin Pendelton, Esteemed Actor, Director, and Teacher – May 27
• Jason Robert Brown, Master Composer (The Last Five Years, Parade) – June 3

At $15 a class, Bridge to Broadway an affordable way to learn from the best.

Check them out here:
https://jamiecarroll.me/bridge-to-broadway

To stand out, you need to tell the Story of the Role—as told by you, and only you.

With Put Your Signature on the Role, we will focus on how to do exactly that.

Applications are now live—and with everything going on in the world, I’m offering this session at a special “relief rate”.

Click here to learn more about the workshop—and find out how to apply.