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We place a lot of importance on fostering and nurturing community, here at StageMilk. A lot of that is to do with the fact that we are, ourselves, a community<\/a>\u2014populated by an incredible global network of actors and related creatives. But we also understand that community for actors is a vital component in a lasting career, not to mention the day-to-day wellbeing of individuals who face rejection and uncertainty in a constant barrage. Let\u2019s talk about how to make actor friends.<\/p>\n Friendships for actors can be difficult to form and maintain, particularly when they meet on a shared job and then move on to different opportunities. However, it is important to learn how to make actor friends, as they can provide support and perspective on career highs and lows a performer is sure to encounter.<\/strong><\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll talk about some tactics for forming strong bonds. But before we start, let\u2019s lead with this: you don\u2019t have\u00a0<\/em>to be friends with an actor you meet simply because they do what you do. Nor do you have to like every actor you work or study with. But in business, friendship\u2014or the lack thereof\u2014it always pays to be courteous. Aim to be polite and generous, and the good sorts out there will flock to you.<\/p>\n Look. Nobody\u2019s forcing you; there are no rules about socialising for actors. You may already have a vibrant community of family and friends that cheer on your every decision!<\/p>\n The difference with actor friends is this: they get it<\/span>. They understand the life and career of an actor<\/a>, and all of the terrible and wonderful things that entails. They asked themselves \u201cShould I Become an Actor?\u201d<\/a>, just like you did, and answered with a resounding, solid yes.<\/p>\n So at the times in your life when the industry is getting you down, actor friends will be able to support you. They\u2019ll know what to say better than the most loving, supporting parent or partner\u2014who will eventually wonder why it is you put yourself through all the pain of an artist.<\/p>\n One of the best ways to make actor friends is to study together. You\u2019ll form some of the tightest, longest-lasting friendships at drama school<\/a>. Not just because you share interests and a dog-eared copy of\u00a0Macbeth<\/em>, but because stressful situations tend to bond people together. Think war, family Christmas or being stranded in the snow after a plane crash.<\/p>\n If a full-time drama school course isn\u2019t\/wasn\u2019t your path, you can still seek out friendships with actors you study with. Take an acting class<\/a>, brush up your skills and meet some new people. This is a particularly useful route for actors who have returned to their craft after taking a break.<\/a> Make new friends, and catch up on the industry in the process.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll make actor friends like crazy when you start doing theatre. You\u2019ll have a chance to spend a lot of time with your fellow cast and creatives, sometimes months before opening night<\/a>, which makes for plenty of opportunities to be social and support one another.<\/p>\n Theatre bonds tend to form quickly and strongly. However, without the regular structure of rehearsal or performance, these bonds tend to evaporate quickly after a production. This is not to say the friendships are flimsy, rather that the next project\/milestone beckons actors, and such a life tends to pull people into the\u00a0next\u00a0<\/em>theatre family they might join.<\/p>\n So if you strike something friendly up with a fellow castmate, be sure and put in the legwork to keep the friendship going.<\/p>\n Film sets<\/a> can be volatile places to make actor friends. What they lack in the lead-in of a theatre project they make up for with intensity. You could be working extremely long hours on a distant location shoot\u2014with little else to do but make small talk with the other actors.<\/p>\n Location shoots, in particular, tend to be bonding exercises. You\u2019ll tear into a town like the circus, and usually spend all your non-working time either sleeping or hanging out. Such times take a lot out of you \u2026 but they\u2019re also a perfect time to make some memories and earn some great stories to tell.<\/p>\n Much like with theatre, film set friendships can burn brightly but briefly. Put in the effort to stay in touch, especially if you\u2019re from different cities or countries.<\/p>\n So far, our focus in this article has been on meeting actors you might strike up a friendship with. And so far, these have been study or work related. But what about the opportunities to make actor friends that aren\u2019t related to your latest gig? To speak frankly: what about the 90% of your time when you\u2019re not stepping onto set to play your dream role?<\/p>\n Maintain relationships with actor friends and your artistic community by helping each other with your craft. If an actor you know is looking for a reader for an audition<\/a>, or some help filming a self-tape<\/a>, put your hand up to help them out! Such efforts are always appreciated, and usually mean you can call in a favour in kind down the line.<\/p>\n Another terrific social thing you can do with actor friends is to organise a scene study<\/a>. And if that sounds a little too much like we\u2019re setting you homework, relax. Grab a few pizzas, have people meet at yours with bottles of cheap red wine and read through a classic play together. You\u2019ll improve your craft, deepen your knowledge of the canon and have a helluva time, all in one go.<\/p>\n Honestly, for all the on-set adventures and shows you can do with other actors? The quiet times, the lean times, are some of the best. It\u2019s when you truly bond with somebody on the same bumpy road.<\/p>\n Now for a real one-eighty. You want to know the best way to make actor friends? Take acting out of the equation entirely.<\/p>\nDo I Need To Make Actor Friends?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Study Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Theatre Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Film Set Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Scene Study and Audition Prep<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Non-Actor Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n