How can I help my son?

[Tryingherbest111]

I have a son who's at uni studying drama. He works very hard and gets great marks and he has lovely friends. But he's always being just passed over for parts and other related roles. He gets great feedback (I've seen it) and so never really gets to the bottom of what's gone wrong. He's been quite good at being resilient but he's just had three knockbacks in quick succession and there's nothing else on the horizon, so he's very, very low. I don't know what to say to help him - as I am as baffled as he is.

In the nicest possible way, I don't think there is anything for you to do.

Isn't that part of the life of an actor - spending 16 years before you become 'an overnight success' ?

Aren't 99% of Actors unemployed (in acting) for 99% of the time ?

I suspect that most people on the course have gone from being the 'main man' in their school, to being one of many, many talented drama students altogether?

I think this is very common for actors as well as everyone in the creative arts or even just other industries where there's huge competition.

I agree he's probably up against lots of others who are very good too now.

But- what I would say to him is everyone will get their time to shine, his isn't quite yet, but it will happen if he keeps plugging away. Basically the successful people aren't usually successful all the way along the line, they just keep going when they get knock backs, apply for more stuff than other people, try harder- I'm not saying there isn't nepotism, who you know, perhaps other things like looks/contacts involved, but if you aren't trying really hard, you won't ever have even a chance.

So hard for him though and always hard as a mum to see your child get rejected.

That's the way acting is - is this news to him?! Considering he is at drama school? I mean ... I'm sure he isn't the only one. There are more actors than there are roles sadly. Actors need to make sure they have something else they can do while out of work - it's inevitable for most of them. I have a few actor friends and they have done quite well but none of them rely on it all the time. Unless you make it to 'hollywood' type thing better to accept that or think of other similar things you can do. Actors need to be able to handle rejection and being out of work. Or do something else.

It's a very fickle business.