30 Days of Creative Inspiration: Day 1

Ah, the "dry season", as many of us actors call it. Being in a brutally gruelling industry is hard enough (but still wonderful, don't get me wrong!), but around this time of year, things can seem even more bleak. I've decided that this would be a PERFECT time to find ways to feel even more creatively fulfilled than ever, dry season or not.

So, today starts 'Esther's 30-Day Creative Inspiration Project'. Every day I'll find, and share something that inspires me as an artist. This will include books I read, shows I see, finding new discoveries in the show I'm in, 'A Night of Shanley', articles, photographs, and whatever else might be out there.

Today is Day 1, and I have to accredit today's inspiration to my dear friend, Ryan Browne, a fellow actor. A couple months ago when the industry had completely shot my self-esteem, he suggested this book to me, which I finally got around to picking up. It's called 'Smart Actors, Foolish Choices - A Self-Help Guide to Coping with the Emotional Stresses of the Business'.

The book isn't focused on acting technique, or how to have a great audition, or the tricks of the business. The book is for the emotional psyche of the person, not the actor. This is something  that I know is really going to benefit me, and even though I've just started Chapter 1, I think this book will help me feel better about myself, both as a person and as a performer. Over the next 30 days, you might see this book come up again.

I'm also extremely interested to hear suggestions from all of you wonderful people in the industry out there! What inspires you - any specific books, movies, something you stick on the back of your door or on your fridge, or plays on in Toronto right now? I'd love to hear what you've got.

This next month is really my own, live version of 'The Artist's Way'. It's going to be good!