Student Blog: Getting out of Your Comfort Zone

As a performer, you get very used to being in a vulnerable position often. Whether that’s by attending auditions, going to class, singing on stage, or taking a note on set, actors are constantly being perceived by an audience. It’s a thrilling job, but if the thought of being judged shuts an actor down, it can lead to making safe choices. 

The word safe is typically used in a negative way when it comes to performing. For me, hearing that I’m making a safe choice is a wake-up call. It typically means that I let fear shut me down, and oftentimes it’s a subconscious decision. A lot of times, you play it safe because you don’t want to embarrass yourself. It is a terrible feeling when you feel like you look stupid while performing, so you second-guess your choices and pick the one that feels more neutral. Playing it safe feels better in the moment, but you end up ignoring your instincts, and it doesn’t allow you to be your full, honest self to the audience. This hinders your performance.

So what can you do to get out of your comfort zone? First of all, I think the most important step in this journey is your mindset. Fear of perception will shut you down as an actor, but the opinions others hold about you are completely outside of your control. What you can control is your pride in your work. A great way to get out of your comfort zone is to make big, confident choices as an actor that you’re proud of, despite how you think it will come across to others. Nine times out of ten those choices will catch someone’s eye, as you’re letting your audience know who you are. When you start being more bold, it will not only enhance your performance, but it’ll be so much more fun.

You can also practice taking risks by trying new things, whether that means finding a new class, trying a new song, or trying out a new style of dance, find something that’s going to push you. A great example of this is approaching your go-to audition cut in a new way. I used to hate singing my golden age cut because I was singing it with the approach of being very sweet and very in love. There was nothing wrong with my choice, but I started getting so bored singing it that I almost cut it from my book completely. Instead, I turned it on its head and sang it sarcastically. Suddenly, it became one of my favorite things to bring in for auditions, and the best part is, I can switch to the first choice depending on the character and show I’m going in for.

Lastly, a great way to get out of your comfort zone is to take a lot of classes. Meet as many new people as you can and find mentors who are honest with you. You need safe spaces to try new things and get good feedback. When your teachers tell you that you’re making a safe choice, try something new. There are a million different ways to do your material, so don’t be afraid to mix it up.

Getting out of your comfort zone is imperative to being an incredible performer, and it will make you a happier actor as well. Try new things as a performer, and don’t be afraid of making confident choices that you’re proud of, despite what others think. A lot of times, the thing that gets in the way of making riskier choices is fear of being judged. Ultimately, the truth is that the most compelling storytellers are the ones who don’t care whether or not they look ‘odd’. The choices that you fear may be ‘too much’ are usually the ones that are remarkable to watch.