So many individuals in Hollywood have stage names that I’ve developed belief points each time the credit roll. How can I make certain that you’re who you say you’re, “Emma” Stone (whose start identify is Emily)? And what about you Natalie “Portman” (who grew up as Natalie Herschlag)? It’s quite common for actors and artists alike to alter their names, however why? Do you want a stage identify for those who’re embarking on the trail of an actor? The reply: possibly. I’ve executed some digging and I’m fairly certain I’ve figured this one out for you. Or a minimum of I’ve found out how one can determine it out for your self.

A stage identify is a reputation assumed by skilled actors and different efficiency artists for quite a lot of causes. They could possibly be distinguishing themselves from one other actor of the identical identify, simplifying their identify or constructing on their archetype. Whether or not or not it’s best to change your identify comes right down to the identical set of causes and what it’s best to change it to is a complete different query that we’ll assist you reply.

As at all times, do not forget that this text affords up info and recommendation, however by no means an ultimatum in the case of your performing profession. Please maintain that in thoughts earlier than you dig up your start certificates and probably break your dad and mom’ hearts by telling them the identify they gave you simply ain’t gonna reduce it for Hollywood.

When to Change your Identify

To start with, altering your identify solely actually turns into a necessity when you attain a sure stage of recognition. If you happen to’re nonetheless on that essential impartial theatre grind and also you’re questioning about whether or not or not you’re due for a reputation change, you’re not. You undoubtedly can, and for those who actually wish to then I say go for it! However you actually don’t must.

The commonest purpose actors change their names is to differentiate themselves from different actors or artists with the identical identify. David Bowie, as an example, was born David Jones and took the surname Bowie from a Nineteen Sixties movie referred to as The Alamo. He did this to ensure nobody mistook him for an additional English singer by the identify of Davy Jones (of Monkees fame.)

The one caveat we’ll throw in right here is that actors’ unions typically specify that you may’t have the identical identify as one other performer in the identical union. This rule varies, however is value some analysis in your nation/metropolis/space.

Why You Would possibly Use a Stage Identify

Okay: let’s think about you’ve hit it huge and also you’re on the path to worldwide fame. You’re touchdown some good roles, your agent may be very excited and also you’re being groomed for stardom. What’s your identify on this state of affairs? Schnitzel Von Crummington III. So far as notable actors with the identical identify go, you’re fairly protected, however, wow … I imply what have been your dad and mom considering? 

Whereas I do exaggerate with this instance, if in case you have an advanced identify—too lengthy or too tough to pronounce, or an unlucky sounding identify—it’s time for a change. You additionally might wish to think about whether or not your identify has the potential to pigeonhole you. If you happen to heard the identify Schnitzel Von Crummington III, what sort of particular person would you think about? Some prosperous, pretentious manor lord? 

Our brains are affiliation machines and we will’t assist however make hyperlinks and assumptions based mostly on what we hear. Quite a lot of huge corporations use this to their benefit to construct an efficient model for themselves utilizing issues referred to as “model archetypes”. Actors may also make the most of model archetypes, and it often begins with their identify.

Constructing a Model

As an actor, your model is you, so it follows that your identify can be the identify of your model. We’re stepping into my least favorite a part of being an actor: advertising and marketing. As a lot as I complain about it to my pals on weekends over a glass of crimson, advertising and marketing your self nicely as an actor is essential.

Let’s discuss particularly about archetypes. Archetypes are related to psychology and in addition literary evaluation, and communicate to the widespread examples of character or behaviour that we would use to categorise figures in a story. 

The examples listed under have their roots in Greek Mythology. I’ve supplied a citation to provide you an concept of what every of them characterize.

• The Outlaw – “Guidelines are made to be damaged.”
• The Magician – “It may well occur.”
• The Hero – “The place there’s a will, there’s a means.”
• The Lover – “I solely have eyes for you.”
• The Jester – “If I can’t dance, I’m not part of it.”
• The Everyman – “You’re identical to me and I’m identical to you.”
• The Caregiver – “Love your neighbour as your self.”
• The Ruler – “Energy isn’t every part. It’s the one factor.”
• The Creator – “If it may be imagined, it may be created.”
• The Harmless – “Life is straightforward and ease is elegant.”
• The Sage – “The reality will set you free.”
• The Explorer – “Don’t fence me in.”

I’ve acquired some homework for you that you are able to do proper now: Open Instagram and scroll to the following advert that pops up, taking note of the corporate it belongs to. Then attempt to match that firm into one of many archetypes.

Bizarre, proper? Nearly any firm you may consider makes use of 1 or possibly a mixture of those twelve archetypes. We are able to apply it to actors as nicely. Jennifer Lawrence matches properly into “The Everyman” archetype—she’s relatable, humble, and right down to earth. James Dean was textbook “Outlaw”—rugged, alluring and rebellious. 

The rationale these archetypes work so nicely for manufacturers is as a result of folks join finest with personalities, not options or advantages. Take a while to determine which archetype most closely fits you if you get the prospect. It’s helpful info for an actor.

Let’s return to our up-and-comer good friend Schnitzel.

The right way to Select a Stage Identify

So, Schnitzel Von Crummington III has been working laborious and lately landed a task in a serious tv sequence. It’s just a few seconds to midnight for Schnitzel however they’ve realised a number of issues about their identify:

1. It’s too lengthy and sophisticated.
2. They are going to in all probability be made enjoyable of for it.
3. Everybody they meet appears to assume they’re a rich English lord when in actuality they labored in development earlier than being found.

Schnitzel does some analysis on the twelve archetypes and thinks they align finest with “The Outlaw”—they’re a bit rugged from working open air all day they usually have a stunning charlatan grin. Based mostly on that, they resolve to drop “Crummington III” and use the surname “Von”. Vn makes a fantastic surname: it’s punchy and it’s acquired a tough edge to it that matches with “Outlaw”.

As for his or her first identify? Some actors use a nickname they got as part of their stage identify. (Whoopie Goldberg acquired the nickname “Whoopie” as a result of she was a little bit of a farter when she labored within the theatre.) Working development, Schnitzel’s pals referred to as them “Schnit”. It’s quick and catchy, nevertheless it does sound a bit like a cuss. One thing else actors do when altering their identify is consider somebody they’d prefer to pay homage to. Olivia Wilde took the surname “Wilde” to honour the nice author Oscar Wilde. Schnitzel is a giant fan of Nicholas Cage. “Schnit” and “Nick” sound type of comparable, too, which is a bonus.

Schnitzel Von Crummington III is an eccentric aristocrat drunk on swan’s blood. Nonetheless … Nick Von is an actor to maintain your eye on. They’re identified for all of the villainous roles you like to hate, and are capturing the hearts of everybody with their rugged allure and realizing smile.  

Sounds good to me.

Conclusion

The advertising and marketing aspect of performing is a bizarre world, in that you simply’re successfully advertising and marketing your self. Your identify is the factor that individuals will keep in mind, so it’s vital to have a great one if you begin to make waves. Even for those who don’t want to alter your identify straight away, developing with a stage identify for your self is at all times a little bit of enjoyable. See for those who can create one for a number of totally different archetypes that finest swimsuit you. The names ought to evoke a sure character or picture and they need to be easy and simple to recollect. When the time involves make the change, you’ll have already got a number of in your again pocket. 

Hope this helps. See you across the traps!