You don’t have to be an actor to have them, but if you’re an actor you have to have special skills.
If you’ve never seen a headshot -‘special skills’ are the last item on the back of the picture you give to whomever is there for an audition. What it really contains is a list of things you can do, things you can quickly learn and embellished version of what you think you could do. Pretty much like in life. Everyone has special skills in life.
Mine are mostly useless, like knowing the lyrics to 80’s songs, random information someone shared with me years ago and such. However I do have one that’s quite useful and appreciated it: getting personalized gifts. In the past, I have bought gifts for everyone and their aunt ( quite literally). The secret is in paying attention when you’re around people. You don’t learn much by listening to the sound of your own voice. People love to share their likes and dislikes with strangers as well as family and friends. And sometimes all you need is a right card for the occasion for people to know you thought of them and an event in their life. The older I got the more I enjoy giving the gifts over receiving.
When it comes to getting me present I’m perfectly ok with a fun card ( if you know you’re not inclined to getting ‘the right gift’) or an experience. Last year a friend took me to a Broadway show for my birthday and we both had so much fun. That experience you share with someone you care about lasts longer than most material gifts. Whenever I can, I give the gift of an experience. If you’re thinking it has to be something as big as a trip somewhere , you’re wrong. I mean if you can afford it that’s great, but no need to go that big. Sometimes it’s a brunch, mani/pedi together, dinner, a sport event that person likes, exhibit,… You still cater to each person’s likes and maybe document it with a photo (or ten), but the experience will last forever.
Then there are haters, petty people trying to pass as a friend. One of my friends would ask me to pick out what I’d like, then she’d pick it up, gift wrapped it and I always loved those gifts. She has many special skills, too many to mention, gift buying wasn’t one of them. So this worked for us. Then there was the frenemy (one of many in my life). This girl was in my apartment…a lot. I’m sure she also had some special skills but I’ve never seen any that were used for good. For one of my birthdays we got together in my apartment and had a little get together, eating, drinking and celebrating. I opened a gift from my friend and obviously loved it and the frenemy made a comment how she thinks it’s stupid and not a surprise cause I choose it. Well, no, it wasn’t a surprise but I loved it, unlike her gift that was a surprise and my first thought was who can I regift it to? Some of you might think I’m being rude or petty, but her present was a clown on a swing. Out of context not bad at all, however I already had not one, but two of them in my apartment. The same apartment she was in frequently. So, yes I would have been much happier if she just gave me a card and a balloon. It’s not about the cost of things it’s about the thought, just a reminder for the next time you are getting something for someone you care about! Whatever your special skill or skills might be, use it for good. I’m perfectly aware some people might read this and dismiss it, totally up to you, but for all the Misfits with special skills: I have faith in you and your special skills!
P.S. in case you were wondering what are my ‘special skills’ listed on my acting resume:
Languages: English-fluent, Croatian-fluent, Serbian-fluent, Spanish-conversational, Italian-conversational
Dance: Ballet (basic), Hula-hoop (2 years) ,Jazz (3 years)
Other: fencing,yoga, antigravity yoga, barre, Pilates,driving (stick and automatic).
*** ‘Let Me Entertain You’ by Robbie Williams