Photoplayer Hater

Acting is a collaborative effort. An actor rarely perform scenes solo and even monologues rarely are the bulk of a production. Actors need to learn how to get along with and thrive amongst many different types of actors. Acting success depends on an actor's ability to work with others.

It's not only a matter of relationships on creative projects, important also are the outside interpersonal stuff. Actors need to find common ground with friends and help each other when the need arises. Just as important to being able to find common ground with others as you reach for your goals, an actor also need know which types of people to avoid. There are just some people that are great friends but not when an actors has something to achieve because these friend can get in the way.

Envious Whiners And Haters

There are going to be difficult times in your quest for acting success. Times when you feel close to wanting to quit. These are the times when you need a boost to get your through. If you surround yourself with bitchers and complainers you will have this negativity around you all the time and when you hit a low point it may be enough to get you to cut out. Your friends affect your attitude and outlook and if they are all downers then you will carry some of this around even when they're gone.

Half-Assers

People are around people a lot and they influence each other. We take our cues from others in our lives and if they do things in a haphazard fashion we are likely to copy. These people may be able to finish things they start but only by a hair. They don't want to do the best they can, they want to do the least possible. They want the end result but don't enjoy the process of getting there and thus put little effort towards it. Unfortunately there is no end result with acting, the whole process is the result. So you need to understand that every element of acting from backstory to final performance is part of the package and no part should be given short shrift.

Poor Work Habits

Successful actors are those that take full responsibility for reaching their goals and do whatever it takes to get there. Most people do the minimum and hope another will take the reigns and finish it for them. They start projects and don't finish them, dabble in lots of things and quit when it gets hard. This is in direct opposition to the kind of everyday behavior you should be exhibiting as an actor. You need to be around people that inspire to do the hard work to get where you want to go. It's hard being the odd-man out so don't put yourself in a social group where you are the only one trying to better yourself because that's just another obstacle, one you can easily rid your life of.

Overly Critical

When you're working hard on a character you probably are doing it wrong most of the time, but nobody needs to tell you that over and over. There is a fine balance between need of critique and need for enthusiasm. Yes, you want your friends to help you be the best actor you can be, but their constant remarks about every little thing can quickly sap your enthusiasm and make it difficult to do anything.

Directs You Against Your Will

It's great when you have a good friend who is an actor or will run lines with you. It helps to be able to bounce ideas off a real person and be able to simulate what you would do with your real scene partner. You may be in a situation where your friend also feels the need to guide your performance. They will recite your scene partners lines in their absence but will also add comments on your delivery and blocking even after you've asked them not to. Some people just can't help but point out things that bug them with the hope that complaining will prompt somebody to change. These people you need to avoid.

Contributes Nothing

You might have another ambitious friend that is as motivated as you to reach their goals and it's inspiring. You hear about their struggles and successes and it's nice to hear that somebody goes through similar things. They may always be asking for counsel and advice, eager to hear your opinion on their doings. They may also be the type that does nothing to help you do what you want. They may find acting boring and not be willing to take the time to watch your performance to give an opinion. They may be "too busy" to run lines with you even though you have nobody else. If you have a friend that wants your help but won't give back, let them be.

Every friend has shades of these characteristics and the job for you is to find that balance between positives and negatives. You need to decide if they are right for your life. Just because you've been friends for a long time doesn't mean you need to continue for many more years. There are more compatible people for you elsewhere, or maybe you just need fewer friends. Keep in mind your goals and make social decisions accordingly. You don't need to have friends who are all your most fervent boosters, but you do need to avoid the ones that will pull you down.