Category: Actor Mindset

ART ENDURES

Art Endures celebrates the legacy of creative individuals who challenge oppression through art. It emphasizes the transformative power of imagination, the resilience of artists, and the enduring nature of art against tyranny, urging unity and empowerment through creativity.

(A Manefesto)

by

Paul Russell

• THE MOTIVATION & MISSION for ART ENDURES:

How does an artist respond to a tyrant?

In the wake of the May 2025 decimation of The National Endowment for The Arts, I channeled my grief and rage into prose with a purpose. What emerged was ART ENDURES: a love letter to the enduring power of art. An artivist tribute and manifesto honoring the resilience of creativity in the face of tyranny.

The long-form piece ART ENDURES (below) would ideally serve as the foundation for a series of short-form, social-media-ready video reels. This initiative is intended to both raise awareness and potentially generate support for artists and organizations whose NEA funding has been revoked.

• The Manifesto – ART ENDURES:

We are the descendants of jesters who mocked monarchs.

The successors of writers who crossed censorship’s lines.

The extension of dancers who grinned as they cakewalked satire before their captors.

The imprint of hands that carved, brushed, stitched, and etched truth when words were forbidden.

The prodigy of musicians who turned protest into rhythm, and rhythm into anthems that outpaced the measure.

We are the enduring continuum—Collaborators of creativity crossing through the centuries.

The legacy of our forebears. The optimism of our successors.

Our individuality is our strength. Our unity is our power.

We are resilient, not resigned. Outspoken, not oppressed.

We reflect the ideals of what is right. We ignite awareness of what is wrong.

Imagination is the artist’s inspiration. Imagination is the tyrant’s ruination.

A tyrant reduces. An artist produces.

Art is authentic. Tyranny is troubled.

Tyranny withers by silencing the will of many. Art blossoms by awakening the will of one.

Tyrants empower themselves. Artists empower the world.

Tyranny expires. Art endures.

If your truth is that art endures, and that tyrants empower themselves while artists empower the world, then empower the world by sharing ART ENDURES.

• You can help build the foundation for the mission:

1. Share widely this post, plus the 2 sample ART ENDURES Discipline Videos (below).

2. Interested in participating in the creative development of ART ENDURES? Write me (Paul) @ PaulRussellCasting [at] gmail [dot] com. Say, “I’m interested. How can I help ART ENDURES and artists?”

Proof of Concept Example Videos (2 of 7 proposed)

  1. “We are the descendants of jesters who mocked monarchs.”

2.”The extension of dancers who grinned as they cakewalked satire before their captors.”

About Paul:

Paul Russell’s career in the entertainment industry spans over forty years as an award-winning casting director and stage director. He has cast for 20th Century Fox, HBO, Broadway, and major regional theaters.

A frequent guest artist at university BFA and MFA actor training programs, Paul also teaches private master classes to actors

He is the author of the expanded Second Edition of ACTING: Make It Your Business – How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor.

The Actor’s Soulmate – Who It Is May Surprise You

Actors search for the right role, the right agent, the right moment. But what is the one, necessary connection that makes an actor’s life and career better? The actor’s soulmate. You may be surprised who I reveal is your true, empowering best-friend.

“One who remembers, knows, and masters oneself.”

Do you know who your soulmate is? You’d be surprised. Surprised the hell outta me. Really did. And are you aware of the necessity and purpose of your soulmate?

For living life better — and for a successful career as an actor, especially in the era of self-tape madness— you must connect to your soulmate.

If you don’t?

Your show closes. No revival. No sequel. You’re canceled.

These avoidable, metaphorical observations is not sensationalism but a reality. A situational truth that you control. But first you’ve must accept a vital truth about life and living:

Our choices — active and passive — dictate our destiny. “Destiny” is a form of “destination.” Both words come from the Latin destinare — meaning “to make firm or establish.” That shared root links the idea of a fixed point, a chosen outcome.

When you actively set an intention (a choice), you’re selecting a destination. That destination becomes your destiny.

Choices are the stepping stones building your path to your destiny, your destination. The outcome is your “fate” and it is not happenstance. You map your destiny with choices.

So: Choose with awareness. Choose with love. Choose with care.

Nourish yourself — as nature does — with what’s real. With what sustains. With what is authentically you.

In everything you do — From reaching out for auditions. To going in for them, whether it’s self-tape or live…

And in your relationships: With talent agents, managers, casting directors, directors, other actors —friends and family — It is imperative that your authentic self shines through.

And your authentic self? Your authentic-self comes from your soulmate. You won’t find your soulmate in someone else. You’ll find your soulmate in you.

The one, true best friend in your entire life… is you. The person who knows the best and worst of you —and lovingly accepts you as is.

To succeed — in life and your art —You have to become your best soulmate. Your tri kỷ.

Tri kỷ is Vietnamese for soulmate — It means: “one who remembers, knows, and masters oneself.”

That powerful, positive energy is what attracts others to you. The force that makes you successful with yourself — and with the world.

If you’re still doubting that truth —or if you simply need a visual reminder — do something kind for yourself (and your career): Watch the 2-minute video that follows below.

About Paul

Paul Russell’s career in the entertainment industry spans over forty years as an award-winning casting director and stage director. He has cast for 20th Century Fox, HBO, Broadway, and major regional theaters.

A frequent guest artist at university BFA and MFA actor training programs, Paul also teaches private master classes to actors worldwide.

He’s been featured in American Theatre Magazine, directed premieres, and served at the Tony Award-recognized Barter Theatre. Paul began his journey in show business as a successful working actor.

He is the author of the expanded Second Edition of ACTING: Make It Your Business – How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor.

For daily acting tips, audition advice, industry insights, and casting news, follow Paul on Instagram.