Keeping it grounded!

Hollywood! Bright lights! Red carpet!

That is the dream of so many people who try their hand at acting. And, I must admit, that is sometimes my thoughts. But in reality, is that the real goal?

For some, it is. For others, it is a dream they never think they will achieve. So, how should a person go about defining their goals? That, I guess, depends on the person.

I have always liked acting. As a teacher, I felt like I was on stage almost every day of my career. I needed to play so many different characters that I almost didn't have enough hats to wear. I played authoritarian, dictator, parent, friend, comedic sidekick and so many more. But throughout that career, I always had to keep myself grounded in the belief that no matter what role I portrayed, my goal was to get children to think critically and for themselves.

With acting, I need to keep myself grounded as well. I have several hats that I wear in my present life; husband, father, grandfather, sibling, etc. Each one of those roles has a time and a place, just like acting.

Perhaps one of the best ways to think about a person's acting career came from a famous radio DJ, Casey Kasem, famous for his weekly show American Top 40. He always ended his shows by saying, "...Keep your feet on the ground but keep reaching for the stars."

Never give up on your goals, but keep yourself grounded to reality.

Go get that role!