Actors and body positivity

Many new actors have a sense that to get work in the acting industry, everyone needs to be slim, toned and sexy. This is rather distastefully called “physical capital” – implying that your visual look is an asset. It’s true that many professional actors fit into the ‘slim, toned and sexy’ category, but the reality is that there are many, many roles that don’t lean into this look at all, and for some characters, the opposite is actually required. In fact, we are seeing more and more lead roles in television that don’t fit the “outwardly beautiful” mould at all.

As an actor-in-training, don’t allow your mind to be seduced by unrealistic ideas about body type and presentation. You are far more than your physical attributes. What you bring to your audition and your workplace – your personality, your attitude, your ability to show up on time, and your willingness to be warm and connect with others – will make all the difference in terms of repeat employment as an actor. This has nothing to do with looks at all.

In recent years, many high-profile performers have come out in favour of the ‘body positivity’ movement – encouraging people to love their body, no matter what shape or size it may be, no matter its colour or ability. There's some sense in that. What you actually need to be a good actor is not a perfect body, but a healthy body. The actual shape of your body may not reflect your health at all. There are people who are very thin who are medically unwell, and there are people who are curvy who are medically very healthy.

Often we call the voice and body “the actor’s instrument”. They're what we use to do the task of an actor. So we mustn’t neglect our instrument, if we want it to ‘play’ well. Some exercise, eating well, getting good sleep, and looking after your mental and emotional health are all needed to keep that instrument well-tuned. What this isn't about is over-scrutinizing your body, but rather, embracing its uniqueness and attending to its needs.

For the actor performing on stage eight times a week, a level of fitness is important – you need the stamina to provide a great performance every time… even when you’re getting up to your seventh or eighth performance, getting tired, and are close to your day off. Around your performances, you need to make sure you are getting some decent meals, because food is fuel for you. You also need to ensure you are drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated, so your voice is in good condition. And you need to make sure you are managing stress through healthy means, rather than unhealthy ones. Misusing drugs and alcohol to deal with the pressures of performance is going to affect your body and mind long-term. Choose other alternatives.  

For the actor on a film shoot who rises before dawn, or who doesn’t get to bed till way after midnight after filming those night-time scenes, stamina is important for you, too – crazy hours, in particular, can throw out your sleep cycle. You need to make sure you are taking moments to rest when you can, and having a good sleep hygiene routine will help you return to a normal sleep pattern when you can. That might include a winding-down process before bed – maybe some quiet music, a bath or shower, a good book, and lights out at a regular time. (Needless to say, hours of phone scrolling or video games are only going to ignite your brain’s activity, rather than settle it!)

As a performer, it’s also essential that if you feel something is going wrong with your body, you get it checked out with your doctor, physiotherapist, dentist or other health practitioner. Aches and pains, allergies, ongoing unexplained symptoms, loss of your voice, or general anxieties should all be addressed quickly. Get some thorough investigations done so you can have any issues attended to. 

When it comes down to it, there is really no need to over-think your body – except to acknowledge that as an actor, you are reliant on your body being in working order to do the job! That’s your true “physical capital”. So give your body a little compassion when it needs it. It is very easy to be self-critical and self-conscious about your body, when it’s highly likely that other people have never even noticed the things you think are glaring faults.

Instead, look outwards to the wonderful art your body can help you create, and this will shift your perspective as an actor.

What do you have to challenge, in terms of how you think about your body?