On Acting

06.03.2024

As a kid I was pretty dead set on becoming an actor. I didn't even know what that meant or entailed but it is the sole reason why I attended the Fine Arts Academy high school that I graduated from. In my Freshman year I was immediately intimidated by the Theater program and swayed towards songwriting, as it was a more helpful therapeutic outlet for me at that time. I headlined every school concert and won the campus talent show as a Sophomore. As I got older I realized that I wanted to be an actor when I was young because I wanted to be anyone but myself. I wanted to escape my own life and exist in somebody else's. A new identity, new characteristics, new background story. After losing my father, my best friend and most people, passions and environments that I ever knew, I have spent the last several years on an independent and isolated journey back to my true self.

Today, I want to be an actor. But, today, I want to be an actor because I am passionate about the storytelling ability that can come forth through that art form. Because I feel I am incredibly talented as an actor due to my range of life experiences. Because I have established a sense of stability and comfortability within myself that allows me to recognize the power of telling other characters’ stories through my own performance - stories that also relate to my own past and paths. I feel that I can portray any role because I already have. I have lived at every level, embodied every mindset, experienced every reality. I realize that I am an actor who isn't acting, but rather bringing through a personal and collective truth to convey a message as a performer in a way only I can. Because only I am me. And I am finally happy to be.

I have fluctuated from wanting to be a professional athlete, to a rockstar, to absolutely nobody, to a teacher, to a model, and back to an actor…and though I have released my attachment to any one particular outcome, and accepted that I can be happy and grateful for whatever I have and wherever I am, it feels like it finally makes sense that acting is my highest calling that leads me to fulfilling my highest potential.

So, what are my actual goals?

I aim to secure the lead role in several films and TV productions. I aim to prove my worth and ability on tape and dedicate my time and energy to fulfilling the projects’ vision for these written characters coming to life on a vibrant screen for an impacted, eager audience. I aspire to travel the world and spend my days on sets, collaborating with other talented and visionary filmmakers, actors and producers working towards our common goal of creating a worthwhile piece of art and appreciating every challenge, setback and chance to expand along the way.

I aim to be the living, breathing, active example to all who come after me that you don't need childhood gold or prestigious degrees or rich parents or an idealized environment to find your calling, to reach your own vision of success and triumph, or to do good, be good and feel good. You don't have to listen to every single know-it-all around you who tells you how to do things that challenge your own healthy soul, or that it's too late, or that you're doing it wrong, or that you need this or that. But also to showcase that you don't need to battle anybody outside of yourself. The primary obstacle to face is always the one that is within you, and the peace that you seek is also already there, as it always has been. So there is nothing to fight for and everything to shed.

If my feeling within is true, then the next few months will be monumental in achieving these goals. I look forward to reflecting on this letter with you soon. I appreciate your trust and support.

Best,

Beami