{"id":3598,"date":"2017-06-26T19:38:06","date_gmt":"2017-06-26T19:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=3598"},"modified":"2018-08-14T15:45:45","modified_gmt":"2018-08-14T15:45:45","slug":"dont-be-a-diva-common-pitfalls-and-how-to-avoid-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/dont-be-a-diva-common-pitfalls-and-how-to-avoid-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Be a Diva: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Don\u2019t Be a Diva: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Crystal G. Herman<\/p>\n

June 26, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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As a costume designer I have worked with my share of diva actors, most of whom don\u2019t even realize that they rub people the wrong way. By learning to avoid some common pitfalls you can earn the reputation of an easy-to-work-with actor.\u00a0 Being the Best Actor doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t also be Miss Congeniality!<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Voice Your Appreciation<\/h4>\n
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Often, we are so focused on what we have to do that we forget what other people are doing.\u00a0 Without the people who work on the costumes, sets, sound, and lights, Hamlet wouldn\u2019t have any pants, no place to stand, no one could hear him, and no one could see him!\u00a0 Remember that a simple \u201cthank you\u201d is the equivalent to a standing ovation to a crew member. The best way to become well liked is by taking the time to show your appreciation for the crew and your fellow cast members.<\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Respect Other\u2019s Time<\/h4>\n
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Make a point to be on time, if not early, for your call times and fittings.\u00a0 You can tell<\/em> people that you appreciate them but one of the best ways to show <\/em>you appreciate them is by valuing their time.<\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0Self-love\/Body Image<\/h4>\n
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After trying on five different dresses one of my actresses confessed to me: \u201cI hate my ankles!\u201d\u00a0 Suddenly I knew how to fix it the problem!\u00a0 I told her while I couldn\u2019t put her in a full length dress due to the time period I could change her shoes to a T-strap which would make her legs look longer and more shapely.\u00a0 All too often when an actor is feeling insecure about their body the costume gets the blame.\u00a0 Be honest with your costumer.\u00a0 They want to make you look good.\u00a0 But above all, remember that you were cast for who you were at auditions if the director wanted a different body type s\/he would have cast someone else.\u00a0 Be kind and extend yourself some love and acceptance.<\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0Own Your Actions<\/h4>\n
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If you have ever seen an episode of I Love Lucy<\/em> then you know happens when you try to hide a mistake.\u00a0 It grows bigger and more problematic, followed by ever more desperate attempts to hide the mistake until it eventually blows up in your face.\u00a0 We are all human and we all make mistakes.\u00a0 Owning it when you have messed up is like ripping off a Band-Aid, it might hurt but it will be over with a lot faster.\u00a0 Also, it is one of the best ways to earn the respect of others.<\/p>\n

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5.\u00a0Healthy Boundaries<\/h4>\n
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Don\u2019t take things personally. The rude thing that Joe said to you backstage is more likely to be a result of an argument that he had with his girlfriend than about something you did.\u00a0 Likewise, if you are irritated at Sally, stop and think about whether your irritation is about her actions or about your fears about not having all of your lines memorized.\u00a0 In both cases it is helpful to realize that one\u2019s words and actions are less about others and more about what is going on inside us.<\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n