Actors are conditioned to say yes. Classes, coaches, directors, industry attitude, scarcity mindset…all these things and more reinforce the idea that an actor’s meal ticket is inextricably linked to how easy they are to work with.
While recent years have yielded some growth in this area, unfortunately, there is still the notion that actors should always say yes if they want work. This continues to lead to burnout, crossed boundaries and occasionally unsafe practices. That combination can spill into an actor’s personal life, hindering the quality of daily life.
What, as an actor, can you do to keep yourself safe? How do you know when and where to set professional boundaries? Here are some things to keep in mind.
Insights: Tips for Setting Professional Boundaries
- Empower yourself to set boundaries for your safety, mental health, and personal values.
- Speak up or decline roles if they threaten your well-being or compromise your beliefs.
- Remember, setting boundaries is a professional duty, not a weakness.
Permit Yourself to Set Boundaries
The first step to being able to set a professional boundary is believing that you have the right to set them. For actors who have spent much of their career being conditioned to be a people pleaser, “suck it up” and avoid “rocking the boat,” this can be incredibly difficult. It requires patience and practice.
Remember, you are in charge of your career. That means you are allowed to decide what that career looks like. When you create healthy boundaries, you foster healthy relationships and establish your own personal space. This affects your real life in a positive way, creating better physical health, and in turn, emotional health.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Setting Professional Boundaries
Once you’ve decided to start setting professional boundaries, how do you know when to set them? If you’re struggling to decide whether it’s “worth it,” here are some questions to ask yourself.
Do I Feel Unsafe?
If you are being asked to do something that does not feel physically safe, it is time to set a boundary. Effective boundaries are not only an obligation to your health and welfare, it helps establish a workplace environment where the physical safety of all parties is respected.
Remember, requesting safety measures is not “being difficult.” It’s your right to refuse to do anything that will put you in harm’s way.
Is My Mental Health Compromised?
Unless you have specifically disclosed mental health needs, you are the only one who knows what your specific triggers or mental health needs are.
Mental health is absolutely a valid concern. You are allowed to state your access needs and request appropriate accommodations. You are allowed to say no to projects entirely if they are going to adversely affect your mental health.
Remember, saying no doesn’t make you any less of an actor or a professional. If you are being asked to do something that will disrupt your mental health in a way that goes beyond the nerves or discomfort that may arise with emotionally challenging work, healthy boundaries may need to be set. You get to make the call where that line is for you.
Do I Have Moral or Religious Objections to the Content?
Not every project is right for you. Even if you are physically and mentally capable of doing the work, if the content violates your moral or religious views, you are well within your rights to decline that project.
If something comes up mid-project that was not previously discussed, it might be time to renegotiate. Doing something morally repugnant to you just because you are an actor and you have been asked to do it does not make you a “better” actor, and it will not serve you in the long run.
Be Your Best Advocate
There will be many many times in your career when you will have to make decisions about what boundaries to set for yourself. You get to decide what is a hard line for you.
Setting boundaries does not have to be contentious or stressful–it is all part of being a responsible professional actor. The more you set these types of boundaries, the easier it will get. Be patient with yourself, and allow yourself to learn how to be your own best advocate.
Looking to get your big break? Sign up or login to Casting Networks and land your next acting role today!
Related articles:
Don’t Wait for Permission: Making the Bucket List a Reality
Playing the Action vs. Playing the Mood: Add Depth and Build to Your Scene Approach
Knock the Rust Off: Tips for Jumping Back in After a Dry Spell
