Recalibrate

Image by Benjamin Balazs

To say that a time like this is uncommon would be a severe understatement.  How often does an event occur that calls for the whole of humanity to act?  We are living through a period that future generations will be shocked to hear about.  They will stare wide-eyed at us as we speak of being stuck at home for months on end.  It should go without saying that a time like this requires a hefty amount of recalibration.  We have all had to adjust to prioritize the safety of ourselves and our loved ones over anything else.

Recalibrating Relationships

Let’s face it, the way we interact with our families and friends has changed, no matter our living situation.  For those of us who don’t live with our families, we have found alternatives to visiting in person.  Unless you already worked from home (or were a student of Steve’s Teaching Series), you likely hadn’t heard of “Zoom” before this time.  Now, it is one of the most common means of communication (and teaching).  We have traveled to empty parks bearing masks and keeping distance just to see our friends.  Often it is difficult to appreciate just how much we have had to recalibrate our day-to-day.  When this is all over (and it will end), we will be more adaptive and appreciative people.  That is the future I see at least.

Theatres and Film Sets

It may be a while before anyone feels comfortable packing into a live theatre again however, which is my escape.  Film sets (those that have re-opened) have recalibrated their whole process.  Everyone needs to get tested regularly and usually quarantine for two weeks before setting foot on a set.  Even then, anyone “off-camera” generally has to wear a mask or face shield and practice social distancing.  This of course is fairly impossible with theatre, yet theatre-makers have adapted as well.  Of course, much of the theatre happening these days is a sort of film/theatre hybrid.  That being said, no one can stop live performance from happening.  Art will always be created and artists will always find a way.

Voiceover

If you’re on this website, you likely have some level of interest in voiceover.  V.O. is actually one medium that is still thriving.  Of course, this did not happen before a large recalibration from both studios and actors.  Some of the larger studios have been able to send portable equipment setups to actors to conduct their virtual sessions.  Many of the smaller studios however, rely on voice actors to provide their own home set-up.  Quite a few auditions these days require the actor to list what mic and interface they use within their audition.  Cultivating a home studio is becoming more of a necessity, but voiceover jobs are increasingly available.  For the aspiring voice actor, this is honestly a great time to start.

Don’t Stop, Recalibrate

I can only speak from my own experience with this time, and I’ll say it has been rough.  There is constant construction noise next door (despite everyone having to work from home).  My anxiety has increased noticeably which has brought back symptoms of my asthma I have not seen for years.  I don’t have nearly the same outlets for relaxation or release that I did before (i.e. theatre).  I understand how much effort it takes during this time to be creative or social. Trust me though when I say: make the effort.  Set up those zoom calls or socially distant park hangouts.  Craft your home studio.  Work virtually with friends to create things.  Of course we’re feeling anxious being stuck at home!  Even if you are more of an introvert, social interaction is what makes us human.  We are born with a need to express ourselves, for our personalities truly live within our actions, not our thoughts.  This is a trying point in our history for all of us, but we can get through this.  Let’s stay safe and recalibrate so we can remain happy and connected.  Appreciate every day, every opportunity, and every connection.