Kenzie’s Question

I recently did a day of True Beauty Workshops at Country Day School in Fort Worth.  Afterwards, a sixth grader, named Kenzie, found my blog and made this comment.

“Wow. You are my role model. I have never crossed such an amazing woman. You’re session meant a lot to me. (Fort Worth Country Day School session.) I myself have been dealing with weight problems. I’m an aspiring actress and I was wondering if you have any tips or suggestions such as where I should audition. Please email me!”

Kenzie, thanks so much for your message! I am honored to be a role model for you.  Here are some thoughts on healthy living that helped me overcome a “weight problem.”

I encourage you to see your body as beautiful machine that works perfectly – there are no “problems.”  If you are storing unwanted weight, it’s because you are taking in more calories than your body is burning.  Work with your mom to make sure that you are eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.  Develop healthy eating habits, and you’ll avoid the “diet” insanity.   Rather than “nonfat” or “low-fat” processed food (which can leave you feeling unsure of whether you’re full), eat REAL food.  At first, choosing an apple instead of potato chips may be a very difficult choice to make, but if you get used to eating fresh healthy food, you’ll begin to crave what your body really needs, rather than what it’s addicted to.  Think of your body as a car – it needs proper fuel in order to function properly.  Find forms of exercise that you really enjoy, and make exercise a regular part of life.  Don’t judge your body compared to society’s silly standard; trust that your body is an amazing machine that is yours to take care  of and enjoy.

Now, about your question of where to audition. I don’t know of any specific place to suggest, except perhaps Kids Who Care – it’s kid-produced theater that makes a difference.  The best advice I ever got about acting is to consider it a blue collar job, rather than some glamorous, impossible fantasy.  If you want to act, Act.  You don’t have to worry about the odds of whether you’ll “make it” in Hollywood – you can produce theater on your own.  It’s a craft – work at getting good at the craft of acting, and you can find a way to do what you love for a living.

Don’t try to conform to the stereotypical actress in Hollywood – that’s a miserable way to go.  Take care of yourself so that you can reach your full potential.  Art should imitate life, and real people come in many shapes and sizes.  Focus on the Art of acting, not the Hollywood hype, and you can be in control of your life path.  I hope these ideas are helpful.  Let me know what you think.

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