We all have this idea in our head of what an actress's life is. You get to be anybody you want to be, travel, tell stories that are important and go to the magical Hollywood parties. But to get there, we have to go through every hot level of Hell.

Audition after audition. Tiny pay-check after tiny pay-check. Joe-job after Joe-job. Public transit that seems to want only for you to miss that callback. The poorly disguised look of disapproval received when you tell people you're majoring in Theatre. And tears. So. Many. Tears. 

(But not when you're on stage when crying would actually work in your favour, of course not!)

The life of a struggling actress isn't an easy one. But doing what matters to you makes the pain worth it. Plus, we pick up a few lessons along the way:

1. Rejection happens. A lot.

Maybe you just weren't at the right place at the right time. Maybe you got nervous. Maybe they wanted someone who was shorter. You simply don't know the reason behind the rejection, so don't beat yourself up over it! Learn from the audition process, learn from people saying "no" (or, you know, just never, ever getting back to you) you'll come out a stronger person so long as you don't give up.

2. Being over-sensitive can be an asset 

It helps you better understand the emotions of your character. Even if you aren't over-sensitive, in this profession, you definitely pick up the trait of empathy over time.

3. Judgements aren't always accurate

You know those snap judgements we all make. We throw around words like "bitch" or "slut" at people who may have done something we don't entirely approve of. But then, you land the role of a character who does what you didn't approve of, and you actually care for this character. Being an actor literally forces you to step into someone else's shoes, and helps you become a more understanding person. 

4. Boobs are really just boobs

You'll see a lot of them (quick costume changes, performance art, etc.), and the novelty wears off almost as quickly as the costume change was. You then begin to question why women's chests are censored, but that's a different issue (#freethenipple).

5. Some relationships just aren't healthy 

It's easy to be unsupportive of the fanciful dream of acting. It's also easy to become jealous of a partner/friend who perhaps receives more recognition than you (and who may have to kiss other people on occasion). Being an actress helps expose the jealous types pretty quickly, or those who need to maintain power in relationships. We actresses don't need that extra negativity in our lives... No one does.

6. Meals above 10 dollars don't really fit in our diet

Unless they're on someone else to celebrate you landing a role. The term "starving artist" is one we can relate to more than any other.

7. Be on time 

I guess you learn this in most jobs, really. But "on time", in the theatre world typically means ten minutes early. I learned that the hard way.

8. There are people who are better than you in some way and that's ok

Honestly. You can never be the best, but you do have something unique to offer to each role you audition for; that's what is important. That's what auditors are looking for. That's what the world is looking for.