Here are 8 Characteristics Of What Makes an Actor “Great”…

Read Part One HERE!

Photo Credit – Vanity Fair

We’re going to move on to the next characteristic with #8.

Enthusiasm:

Geniuses are so excited about what they are doing, it encourages others to cooperate with them. Really believe things will turn out well. Don’t hold back.

So, what happens to the skeptic? The guy who stands back and doubts everything can stop the flow of creativity. Is that the person you want to work with?

Willingness to Take Chances:

Overcome your fear of failure. You won’t be afraid to take chances once you realize you can learn from your mistakes.

Dynamic Energy:

Don’t sit around waiting for something good to happen. Be determined to make it happen.

Enterprise:

Geniuses are opportunity seekers. Be willing to take on jobs others won’t touch. Never be afraid to try the unknown.

Persuasion: Geniuses know how to motivate people to get them ahead. You’ll find it easy to be persuasive if you believe in what you’re doing.

Outgoingness:

I find geniuses able to make friends easily and be easy on their friends. Be a booster, not someone who puts others down. This attitude will win you many valuable friends.

Ability to Communicate: Geniuses are able to effectively get their ideas across to others. Take every opportunity to explain your ideas to others.

Patience:

Be patient with others most of the time, but always be impatient with yourself. Expect far more of yourself than others.

Don’t sit around and be patient for things to happen, get out there, be active, go make it happen, right? Don’t be patient with getting those jobs, with getting things done, with putting up work in class. Do you follow me?

Perception:

Geniuses have their mental radar working full time. Think more of others’ needs and wants than you do of your own.

At any given moment, someone’s needs may be greater than your own. Take that into account and see your universe expand and things go better when not just focused on needs of your own. Try to be interested instead of interesting and see how it changes the way people feel about you and your work. It’s about giving more than you’re taking. A true collaboration can bring real excitement and better performances all around.

Perfection:

Geniuses cannot tolerate mediocrity, particularly in themselves. Never be easily satisfied with yourself. Always strive to do better.

Okay. If you want your work to rise above mediocrity as an actor, what does that mean in terms of the commitment you make to bringing your best to everything you do? Is it about putting in the time and creativity as it’s convenient or is it about doing whatever it takes to make your work thrilling?

“Geniuses cannot tolerate mediocrity.” Casting directors, directors, and producers aren’t going to hire mediocre actors. Why would they waste their time on someone who was less committed to the project than they were and wasn’t bringing anything exciting to the work in the first place? Keep the bar high for yourself and others.

That’s all for now. We’ll carry on with the rest of the characteristics next time. In the meanwhile, take a look at what you could do to bring your standards up to that of a genius!