Body Image in a Body Focused Industry.
Updated: Feb 10
The human body is the most complex, remarkable organism to ever exist.
Consisting of 37 trillion cells, stomach acid that is able to dissolve metal and a nose that distinguishes between 1 trillion smells... it's pretty hard not to be impressed by ourselves. So, it's pretty hilarious how many hours I've wasted caring about the excess fat cells that remain.
The more I learn, the more I grow, the faster I can move on to far more important things.
Being a creative in this industry is hard on your self-image. As a part of the audition process your body is judged. Judged on if it fits the ideals the director has of that character in their mind. Just like we love things that look aesthetic ie. Mac products... people love beautiful people. So, that's tricky. Especially when everyone's opinion on what is beautiful is different.
I haven't received jobs because I've been told my body doesn't fit the aesthetic required but my body has also been complimented by audition panels. Thankfully, we are seeing a real shift in our industry toward body inclusion. Audiences want to seem themselves represented onstage. And yes, we are 'products' in a commodity driven industry but we are also humans who have to go home and be pleasant to our loved ones. What matters so much more than the audition panels opinion, is your own. As long as you are satisfied and give your body the respect and awe it deserves, screw what the panel thinks.
My advice is YOU HAVE TO LOVE YOUR BODY NO MATTER IF SOMEONE ELSE DOES.
Be strong.
Be healthy.
Be confident.
that's it. the end.
and remember 1 trillion smells. #rad