{"id":2486,"date":"2018-06-25T15:31:47","date_gmt":"2018-06-25T15:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/?p=2486"},"modified":"2025-11-14T15:48:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T15:48:29","slug":"how-to-be-creative-when-you-re-not-in-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/news-and-advice\/lifestyle-wellbeing\/how-to-be-creative-when-you-re-not-in-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be Creative When You\u2019re Not in Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

Deal with the down time and rediscover your creativity with our guide on how to be creative when you’re not in work.<\/h2>\n

Being a performer guarantees one thing: total uncertainty. It\u2019s hard to know when the next job is coming your way, but that doesn\u2019t mean you aren\u2019t still the creative and passionate performer you know yourself to be. Being without work is hard for most people, regardless of the career they choose. So here are our tips for keeping those creative juices going\u00a0for when it’s been a little while between gigs…<\/p>\n

Engage in Positive Self Talk<\/h3>\n

Remember that your creativity is a part of you, no matter when you had your last audition. It\u2019s good to articulate this to yourself, and to think through what makes you feel creative – what are the kinds of things you like to creatively do, other than perform? This could be all kinds of things – cooking, painting, sewing, playing an instrument, singing\u2026 the list is endless. A lot of these activities can become forms of creative expression that help keep you in the zone between gigs. And if you\u2019re keen to hear more about another actor\u2019s experience on managing the uncertainty, take a look at\u00a0this great piece from Katie Redford<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Find a New Hobby<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re feeling a bit stale and uninspired in your creative realm, what better way to get into gear than to think about something totally new? Finding a new activity or hobby that allows you to creatively express yourself is an excellent way to turn up the volume on your creativity between jobs. You might consider a new kind of dance class, join a choir, buy some paints, learn to crochet, or indeed anything that gets your heart racing again with excitement. Show yourself some compassion and don\u2019t judge what it is you choose to give this time to – it doesn\u2019t have to be Shakespeare at all times or bust!<\/p>\n

Get Outside and Get Inspired<\/h3>\n

Instead of hammering away at one kind of creative project or pursuit, it might be better to take a break – from the play you\u2019re reading, the notebook containing your one-woman show, or whatever else is starting to drain. Getting back to nature and going for a walk can be a great way to let your mind recuperate. Removing yourself from your everyday environment for a time helps to reset, and you\u2019ll return with a new perspective. So whether it\u2019s a trip abroad or a new route home from the tube station, there\u2019s something on budget for everyone.<\/p>\n

Explore New Techniques<\/h3>\n

Whether you\u2019ve had training or not, acted for ages or only a few months, there\u2019s always room to explore new techniques within your craft. You might want to explore\u00a0LeCoq techniques<\/a>,\u00a0Laban<\/a>, or try your hand at\u00a0puppetry<\/a>. Spotlight hold events and workshops in London and across the country throughout the year that are free for members, else you can always read up on how to\u00a0make work, try your hand at\u00a0comedy, or learn more of those\u00a0essential soft skills\u00a0that make any performer into a professional.<\/p>\n

Start Writing<\/h3>\n

After all, if the perfect part hasn\u2019t come along yet, why not write it yourself? Read Kieran Knowles\u2019 account of\u00a0how writing helped with his performing<\/a>. He says:<\/p>\n

\n
\n
With a group of friends and fellow graduates, we started to toss about the idea of writing a play where we could each play a dynamic human, with backstories and hopes, dreams, wishes and objectives, just as we\u2019d trained to do. Not as a showcase, but as a credit, a chance to prove to ourselves that we could do something if we just went for it.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n