This week is Thanksgiving in the United States. I’ve been sitting on this particular topic for over a month. I’m gonna share a story. Go back in time with me to October 12th, and we’re in New York. At this point, I’ve been here a little over a week, and I’ve left a private pole dance instruction to meet a private coaching client of my own. She’s a delightful young woman named Cassie Silva, and we’ve spent a little SMFA time together already this week.

Her head is on straight. She gets this business. She’s been in it for a lifetime. She’s made the move from LA to NY and she’s in the cast of the long-running Broadway hit Rock of Ages. Because of that last bit, I can safely say, she’s not only smart, together, and in the right headspace to succeed in this industry, but also that she’s talented as hell. See, the night before, I had gone to see her with another SMFA-er, Tanya Perez, and we had a blast! Fun show, total sing-along experience, some fantastic (triple threat) performers, and a flat-out party during which I became fully aware of Cassie’s level of talent.

Even before that, I had been told by several of the NY locals who had booked some of my teaching and speaking engagements that I would love the show, and Cassie’s work. She blushed when I told her she had fans. Ensemble cast member… fans? Huh. Yes! When you shine, you shine!

So, we’re sitting together and going through our coaching session, working on the issues she’s facing, strategizing some ninja tactics for tier-jumping. Cassie apologizes that she’ll have to leave her cell phone nearby, as she may be going on for the lead in the show tonight. At 1:27pm, her stage manager calls, and she’s on. Tonight. Her fourth time filling the role. She’s in eight shows a week, every week, knows every note, every step, every costume change for her role as “Young Groupie” in the ensemble, but tonight, she will prove she also knows every note, every step, every costume change for her role as “Sherrie.”

She’s not freaking out. I am. I’m so excited! I’m so concerned that she needs to spend every second preparing for this gearshift.

Nope. She’s a pro. She’s got this. Here. See for yourself. She rocks it out.

Fast-forward a half-dozen hours and I’ve crisscrossed all over The City — having had tea with my dear, life-long, childhood friend; having gotten a new, NY-style hairdo; and having stopped for some of the most delightful wine, cheese, and conversation with strangers ever — before finding myself sitting right back at the Helen Hayes Theatre to witness the delightful Cassie in the lead role.

Tonight, the audience is rowdier. Way rowdier. It’s a Friday night and the vibe is electric. I am jumping up and down with excitement, because I just know Cassie is going to nail it. The gals next to me ask why I’m so happy and I tell them one of my students is about to make me beam with glee… and then I realize, THIS IS NO BIG DEAL, HERE.

See, just last night, I saw an understudy take the stage in the lead role of Drew, which means I saw another two actors shift into roles *they* don’t usually play, because that’s what happens, here. It’s not an issue. It’s work. And even though what was happening with Cassie felt super exciting to me, it was no big deal (and it would happen again, in the weeks to come). Because, THIS IS WHAT THEY DO, these NY theatre actors. All up and down The Great White Way.

They put on eight shows a week. They rehearse several hours a day. They exit the stage door and sign autographs, pose for photos, smile, and speak enthusiastically with tourists. And then, even the most gregarious on-stage star pulls up his coat’s hood, throws his backpack over his shoulder, tucks his hands into his pockets, and hoofs it a few blocks, dips down into the subway, and returns home to his 400 square-foot walk-up in obscurity.

He’s a working actor.

When I think about the actors I know in LA who get to sign as many autographs, take as many photos, kiss as many babies as I saw these Broadway stars deal with in two nights, these LA actors are being picked up in towncars, they’re being handled by publicists, and they’re returning home to houses with 400 square-foot rooms… several of them.

They’re working actors too, of course, but there’s something so very exciting about spending time with theatre actors (and that’s LA-based theatre actors, too — I’ve written about them before). It’s a different work ethic. It’s a discipline that doesn’t exist in the actor who can’t be bothered traveling from Santa Monica to Burbank for a 4pm audition on a Friday.

Of course, New York has a different energy to it (as evidenced by the fact that on a single day, I hustled all over town to hit a private pole class, do several private SMFA coaching sessions, have tea with an old friend, get a new ‘do, grab a bite, see a show, go out after with cast and crew, and still have energy to Skype back home when I returned to the hotel — when in LA, that’d be way too much running around to try and pack into a day for me), so I’m never gonna say actors need to compare themselves when the conditions are not the same. I’m definitely not looking to start an LA vs. NY debate, by any means, especially because I think being bicoastal would be the best deal, ever. What I am saying is this time in New York — and specifically the experience of seeing multiple actors step up to take on roles other than those they play daily, effortlessly — reminded me of my love for actors.

And that brings me to Thanksgiving.

I am so very grateful that I have the opportunity to work with actors like Cassie every day. Creatives who embrace the challenges set out in front of them with gusto, enthusiasm, and grace are really fantastic people and I recommend everyone surround themselves with as many of those folks as possible. That’s do-able no matter where you are.

Are you surrounded by people who inspire you? People who are immensely talented and totally ready to leap when opportunities present themselves, even if they’re bone-tired? People who look for chances to shine, not spaces to take it easy? People who bring joy to those who look to them for entertainment? If you’re not surrounded by folks like that, get on it. Make it happen. And if you ARE, please make sure they know you’re grateful for their presence in your life. That — among many things — is a lovely thing for which to give thanks.

Bonnie Gillespie is living her dreams by helping others figure out how to live theirs. Wanna work with Bon? Start here. Thanks!

Originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/001586.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.