Up-level Your Professionalism
I’m pretty sure, at one point or another, we have all worked on projects that we felt weren’t exactly…uh…deserving of our time, talent, and professionalism. You know the kind of projects I’m talking about — the frustrating ones where it feels like you’re still in a sixth-grade school play.
But here’s what I’m gonna suggest you do in those situations: up-level your professionalism. Get to rehearsal 15 minutes early, even if it means you beat the director there. Be off-book before the deadline, even if your fellow castmates are still calling for lines during tech week. Stay focused on set, even if your director isn’t.
Basically, treat each job as if you were starring on Broadway or sharing the screen with Natalie Portman. Because I promise you that even if it seems fruitless, if you are working professionally in an unprofessional environment, people notice. And they remember.
And when people know you as someone who consistently performs with that level of professionalism, they expect you to work at that level in the future. I don’t know about you, but I think that setting that kind of expectation is incredibly powerful.
The Green Room 
I can’t but agree! Great article!
I can’t agree more with your agreement and the suggested approach. =D
I needed this reminder– thanks!
This is so true! I would just add, that when working on a project like this, it’s also imperative to not get bitter. In the end, I think you learn something from every project, even ones that seem “beneath” your level of talent and professionalism. It’s easy to get so frustrated and angry and bitter, but in the end that only hurts you (cliche, I know but true!) So well done Redheaded for suggesting ways to stay on top of your game when working on less-than stellar projects. Great advice for all.
Work & dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.
Totally!