In this grounding and thoughtful session, Aislinn from Fishpond invites actors to ease into the new year by focusing on intentionality, reflection, and sustainable progress. Rather than rushing to set goals on January 1st, actors are encouraged to think deeply about the kind of work they want to do, who they want to work with, and how to maintain a healthy balance between life and career. The talk blends practical advice with creative mindset shifts, helping performers start 2025 with clarity and confidence.
Original Date Thursday 30th January 2025
FP Host Aislinn Aungier
Key Takeaways on Taking Control of Your Career for 2025
1. Don’t Rush. Ease into the Year
• January is quiet in the industry so you can use it to pause, reflect, and realign.
• You don’t have to start the year at full speed. Give yourself permission to start slowly and intentionally.
2. Define What You Actually Want
• What kind of work do you want to do? What makes you feel fulfilled?
• Set your own version of success: part-time, full-time, theatre, film, voiceover etc – you get to decide.
3. Create a Personal Mission Statement
• Write a short statement about what you want to make, who you want to collaborate with, and why.
• Let this guide your decisions throughout the year, like a compass for your career.
4. Align with Your Strengths and Joy
• Don’t chase roles or opportunities that don’t fit (e.g., if you hate dancing don’t audition for dance-heavy shows).
• Prioritise what you’re good at and what you enjoy – these intersect more often than you think.
5. Be Clear and Decisive in Auditions
• Auditioning is pitching your interpretation. Show confidence in your choices.
• Don’t walk into a room still unsure. Commit fully to your take on the role.
6. Practice Weekly and Stay Creative
• Don’t wait for auditions. Work on monologues, scenes, or self-written material every week.
• The more you work, the quicker you’ll get to the emotional “centre” of a character.
7. Know the Industry and Research Weekly
• Stay in the loop: know what’s in production, who’s casting, and what’s being made.
• Use social media passively if you wish – to observe, not necessarily post.
8. Protect Your Work-Life Balance
• Consider:
A separate email for acting work.
Set days/times for checking emails or doing career admin.
Working from libraries to separate space and mindset.
9. Build Meaningful Relationships with Casting Directors
• They are your allies, not gatekeepers.
• Learn who they are, what they’ve cast, and engage genuinely.
• If they aren’t calling you in, it may be because:
You’re not on their radar yet.
You’re not quite ready.
Or it just hasn’t been the right project – yet.
10. Reach Out Quarterly (and Meaningfully)
• Touch base 4x a year only when you have a reason:
A new show, screening, performance.
A genuine response to their work.
Don’t force it—authenticity over frequency.
Memorable Quotes
“You don’t need to have all the answers by January 1st.”
“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”
“The more you work on scenes and characters, the faster you’ll reach the emotional truth.”
“Casting directors are not obstacles – they’re your collaborators.”
“Have boundaries: protect your joy, your energy, and your inbox.”
“Make them think of you even when you’re not applying.”
“Keep a journal of great advice. Make your own acting manual.”