by Emily Liu
Hi, I’m an introvert and an actor (yes, we exist).
For me personally, this can make my chosen career path extra challenging at times (yes, the financial instability and cut-throat competitive industry wasn’t enough already). Acting is a team sport and far from lacking in social interaction. From networking, auditioning, rehearsing, performing, opening nights and closing parties, drama school and acting classes, you can bet most of your time will be spent around and with others. The long hours required of rehearsals, shows or film shoots is tiring for anyone, but for introverts can be especially draining.
There is a common misconception that introversion and extroversion dictate how outgoing a person is, but actually they describe how people gain energy (or recharge their brains!) For introverts, their energy is gained from within themselves and extroverts through others. This means that introverts recharge through alone time and are drained after social interactions, while the opposite is true for extroverts. While introversion and extroversion aren’t necessarily personality types (not all introverts are shy and extroverts outgoing), there are traits that are more common with each type. For introverts, there is a correlation with being quieter, a home-body and sometimes shy and socially anxious. As someone who identifies with all those qualities, I do feel I’m very much qualified on the introverted front. However, after a few years of braving various acting terrain I have developed a better understanding and knowledge of self-care for my introverted self. Here are some tips that have worked for me.
#1 Set boundaries and don’t always feel the need to ‘keep up’
Saying ‘no’ can be difficult and the desire to keep up with others and fit in with your peers or fellow cast and crew is strong. Parties and social gatherings seem to be particularly abundant in the arts (I’m looking at you drama school). Despite partying being the last thing I felt like doing after some mammoth weeks at drama school, I would felt guilty and stressed about not going to social gatherings, worrying about ‘falling behind’ socially. However, I eventually learnt to know and respect my limits. This meant sometimes choosing to get an early night or opting to organise a one-on-one coffee catch-up with a friend instead. It also meant that when I did choose to go to parties or events I enjoyed it much more because I’d chosen to be there mindfully so it was more enriching than draining. Looking after yourself means you can be a happier and more productive human and actor.