One of my actor friend always gets cast as the racist cop. He’s not crazy about these roles, but he does them. I have another actor friend who absolutely refuses to play a racist role.
I, personally, have no issue playing any role. In fact, I find the bad guy roles more fun. Saying that, one thing I will not do is audition for a role in a film that has a message that is against my personal values. The reason I know this is because I was recently in a situation where I was asked to audition for a role. There was nothing wrong with the role and I would have had no issue playing it. However, I did some research on the production company and not only did the production company go against my personal values, but the message of the movie did also.
Understanding Your Values
The first step in establishing your boundaries is to have a clear understanding of your personal values. What matters most to you? What kind of stories do you want to tell? Are there topics or actions you’re not comfortable portraying on screen? These are essential questions to ask yourself early in your career, and to revisit periodically as you grow and evolve as both an actor and a person.
Factors to Consider
When evaluating a potential role, several factors come into play:
- Content and Themes: Does the project align with your beliefs? Are you comfortable with the overall message or subject matter?
- Required Performances: Are there specific actions or scenes that push your comfort boundaries? This could include nudity, graphic violence, or intense emotional performances.
- Career Impact: How might this role affect your public image and future opportunities? Will it typecast you or open doors to diverse roles?
- Artistic Growth: Could this challenging role lead to personal and professional growth, even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
- Ethical Considerations: Does the role perpetuate harmful stereotypes or glorify behavior you find morally objectionable?
Navigating Difficult Decisions
Sometimes, the choice isn’t always clear-cut. A role might offer tremendous artistic opportunity but require actions you’re hesitant about. In these cases, open communication is key. Discuss your concerns with your agent, the director, or the producers. Often, compromises can be reached that respect your boundaries while preserving the integrity of the project.
The Power of ‘No’
Remember, it’s okay to say no. In fact, knowing when to turn down a role can be just as important for your career as knowing when to accept one. A polite, professional decline can actually earn you respect in the industry and help define your personal brand as an actor.
Growth and Flexibility
As you progress in your career, your boundaries may shift. A role you might have turned down early in your career could become an exciting challenge later on. Stay open to growth, but always remain true to your core values.
Building a Lasting Career
By establishing clear boundaries and sticking to them, you’re more likely to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in acting. You’ll be known not just for your talent, but for your integrity and professionalism.
Ultimately, knowing your “line in the sand” isn’t about limiting yourself – it’s about empowering yourself to make choices that align with your values and career goals. In an industry filled with tough decisions, having this clarity can be your compass, guiding you towards roles that not only showcase your talent but also fulfill you as an artist and as a person.
Simon Shih 