Maybe mentor isn’t the right word, but they are the people I go to when I have questions and need advice.
The acting business can be very complicated. There are so many rules when it comes to this business that it can be confusing. Knowing where to look for the right answers isn’t always easy and straightforward, so there are two people I go to when I can’t find the answer myself.
The first is Stephen Ruffin. Stephen was my first acting instructor and he’s been in the business for about 15 years. After class, we became friends and he’s been my go to person for questions since January. Since he’s a working actor, he is very busy, so when I can’t reach him, I have a second person.
Geoffrey Donne and I became friends on Facebook. We have not met in person yet, but we talk regularly. Geoff is also incredibly busy; he’s a photographer, director and writer and in the past, an actor.
Benefits of a Mentor
They Provide Guidance – If I have issues with an audition or scene, I can reach out. It happened more in the beginning, before I came into my method to get into the moment.
They Help You Realize Your Potential – A mentor may notice potential in you that you might not see in yourself.
They Can Motivate You
Finding a Mentor
Networking – in the case of Stephen, going to class. But there are other ways to network and find a mentor.
Social Media – I met Geoff through Facebook and he was the one who reached out to me.
Your Responsibilities as the Mentee
Nurturing a Flourishing Mentorship
Once you have identified a mentor, fostering a strong and mutually beneficial relationship is crucial to reaping the full rewards of mentorship. Cultivating a rapport marked by openness, curiosity, enthusiasm, and gratitude is essential.
Embrace an Open Mind and Curiosity
Approach your mentor with an open mind, eager to absorb their wisdom and insights. Ask thoughtful questions, actively participate in discussions, and demonstrate a genuine desire to learn from their experiences.
Express Enthusiasm and Gratitude
Show genuine appreciation for your mentor’s time and willingness to guide you. Express enthusiasm for their advice and support, and demonstrate how their mentorship is positively impacting your growth.
Offer Reciprocity
Mentorship is a two-way street. Seek opportunities to reciprocate your mentor’s support. Offer assistance in areas where you excel, share relevant resources, or simply provide a listening ear.
Connect as Individuals
Go beyond the confines of a strictly professional relationship. Connect with your mentor on a personal level, engaging in conversations that extend beyond career development. Building a genuine connection fosters a stronger and more enduring mentorship.
Simon Shih 