PERFORMANCE TIP — Talent Gets You in the Room—Kindness Keeps You There
Talent Gets You in the Room — Kindness Keeps You There
In the world of performing arts, talent is your ticket in. Your skill, your presence, your artistry—they’ll get you noticed. They’ll land you the audition, the callback, maybe even the job. But talent alone isn’t what keeps you working. What truly sustains a career in this industry is who you are when the spotlight isn’t on you.
Your attitude, how you treat others, how you contribute to a room—these things matter. In fact, they often matter more than your technical ability. Directors, producers, choreographers, and casting agents talk. So do fellow castmates, crew members, and teachers. They remember the people who were kind, professional, collaborative, and gracious—even in the tough moments.
This industry is smaller than you think. The ensemble member you barely interacted with might be directing your next show. The quiet lighting tech might become a producer. That peer you once competed with in an audition could be the one casting their own project—and deciding whether to bring you in. People rise. Paths cross again. And reputations follow you.
So how do you build a good one?
Be the person others want to work with again. That doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being real, respectful, and reliable. Show up on time. Be prepared. Take direction with humility. Celebrate other people’s wins even when you’re still waiting on your own. Listen more than you speak. Offer help when it’s needed, without seeking praise or recognition. Lift the energy of the room. Learn everyone’s name—not just the “important” ones.
And when things don’t go your way? Don’t let bitterness speak louder than grace. Learn from the disappointment, then move forward with dignity. A kind and grounded performer is someone people will remember—and want to bring back.
The truth is, skill might open a door, but your character determines how long that door stays open. And in many cases, it’s what opens new doors you never even knew existed.
A Note to Parents: Be Their Champion, Not Their Hurdle
Parents play a powerful role in a young performer’s journey. Your love, support and belief in your child matter deeply. But in this industry, especially when it comes to auditions and casting rooms, how you support them can make or break opportunities.
Directors and casting teams aren’t only watching the children—they’re observing the parents too. Are you respectful? Patient? Kind to staff? Do you encourage your child’s independence, or try to control the process? A talented child with an overbearing or difficult parent can be seen as a risk—not because of the child’s ability, but because of the environment surrounding them. Fair or not, your behaviour can affect whether your child gets the role.
So be their champion, but not their bulldozer. Don’t clear every obstacle—help them learn to climb. Let them make mistakes, find their voice, handle rejection with grace, and learn how to show up professionally. Advocate when necessary, but know when to step back.
Empower your child to become their own advocate. Teach them to ask questions, take feedback, show gratitude, and own their journey. Be the steady support behind them—not the storm in front of them.