I really like your point that sometimes you have to weigh what a part may give you, in your case, on camera experience, against what you may initially think about it (your fear that the scene was there just to be edgy and had no real meaning). Your point about comedy not being too redemptive is a great one. But also remember, that we need to laugh. Finding humor in silly situations is so important too, and in its own simple way, just finding something hilarious can help to heal the world and our hearts. Learning to laugh at ourselves and our lives is also something that we as performers must learn to do, even if we may feel very serious about our spiritual inner life. Even God knows that laughter heals.

All acting jobs will feel this way, even if they are just simple jobs, in that you’ll have to weigh the good and the bad at all times. In every case you’ll have to decide if it’s worth your time, heart, effort, sacrifice, or struggle (morally and even physically at times) to do. I remember having to chose between two auditions once - one for a high paying non-union shoot for a beauty product, and another for a union commercial that would be seen lots, but the initial pay wasn’t very high (I think it was for a top brand cereal).

I ended up auditioning for the non-union job and booking it, even though my agent suggested I blow off that audition. That job was for a Jose Eber “Secret Hair” extensions infomercial. It played for two years at 2 am on every channel, and I was the lead! I had friends and family from all over the US telling me they saw me in it! I even had someone stop me once to say, “Hey, aren’t you that hair girl!?” Going with your gut instincts and learning to hone and listen to them is really the key to staying happy in this industry. And if you can use your higher power, and your faith in that power, to guide you, you will be even happier, because you will know that you are not alone.

The universe/God, whatever you want to call it, has only the best in mind for your life and career. Thanks again for your continuing support of this site, and I hope that Jo gets a chance to see your fantastic comment! :-)

I recently had one of these tough experiences while filming my first independent film. It was through an acting class and the script was written by the instructor. I was promised it would be family friendly but received a script full of sexual jokes, bed scenes, violence, drugs, and drinking. It was a comedy so the element of a redeeming story was not required (in the director’s mind). I felt, as Kirsten mentioned, that the writer was trying to be “edgy” and catch Hollywood attention. He didn’t deny that he hoped to show it to a big Hollywood producer. In the meantime, I was tormented by fears and it caused me to clam up as I rehearsed. I had to pray and ask God whether or not I was supposed to do the film. It didn’t have an ideal redeeming message. I received a peace that I should go forward with it and with that, I was able to be bold about what I was uncomfortable doing (a bed scene) and the writer/director completely understood. My acting was then freed up and not inhibited by personal frustrations. The experience helped me find my boundary line (what I am comfortable/not comfortable with) while also giving me on camera experience. Your Christian background is a wonderful gift. Remember to be full of faith, not fear, and that God is a loving God.