37 Things to do in Isolation (For Actors)

Across the world actors are self isolating. And for sensitive, creative people like us, this is tough. However, for me this whole situation has made me really think deeply about what I want to do with my life. It has reignited my passion, and made me realise how much I love acting. I have been reading more than ever and learning monologues.

I started writing a list of a few things to work on during this difficult time.

So here are 37 things you can do during isolation:

1. Read a play (or many)
2. Watch a bunch of great films (especially ones that push you outside of your comfort zone)
3. Binge some great TV
4. Binge some awful TV (we learn as much from rubbish)
5. Beef up your vocabulary (get up every morning and investigate some new words)
6. Work on an accent.
7. Finish writing that short film!
8. Finish writing that feature film, TV show, or web series (you know the one you tell people you are working on at every party.)
9. Do a daily voice warm up.
10. Do a daily physical/movement warm up.
11. Do both.
12. Learn about your industry. Research casting directors, agents, and producers. Come out of this understanding your industry.
13. Catch up on local content. So many actors want make it big, but they ignore local industry. Watch LOCAL CONTENT.
14. Read some poetry. I am currently reading Anne Sexton. She is incredible.
15. Clean up your social media pages. Might be a good time for some life admin.
16. Read an acting book (Larry Moss, Uta Hagen, Ivana Chubbuck, Stanislavski)
17. MEDITATE. 10 minute a day is life changing.
18. Yoga (or any other movement practice that gets you in your body)
19. Learn a monologue (Right now I am tackling Hamlet's "O that this too too solid flesh..")
20. Watch the Hollow Crown Series (Shakespearean Masterclass)
21. Read out loud for 5-20 minutes a day (Cold reading kids)
22. Call your friends.
23. Read a play with your friends.
24. Learn a scene.
25. Learn a scene a week! (What else are you doing!?)
26. Podcast like a maniac. (Off Camera with Sam Jones is a good start)
27. Reach out for help. Right now the industry wants to give back. This is a great time to ask for help.
28. Watch theatre. There are loads of great ways to watch theatre online. (And many free initiatives right now - The National is a great start)
29. Write a play. (Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the Plague, what can you whip up?)
30. Stay healthy. (My brother was bench pressing a sofa, get creative!)
31. Work on your singing.
32. Learn about Greek Mythology. (Why didn't we learn this stuff, every writer references Greek Mythology)
33. Update your self taping set up.
34. Learn how to EDIT!!!
35. Make something. (Can you shoot a short film with your mum?)
36. Teach. (I have become a much better actor through teaching, can you find any opportunities to share wisdom right now?)
37. Do nothing. This doesn't have to be the moment where you write the next King Lear. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or just want to take a break, do it!!!