People often assume I’m an actor because I work on-camera; and while, I hate to be nit-picky, I have to correct them because I am NOT an actor. I’m a host.
Um, what’s the difference?
As an actor, one plays a role (another person). Duh. You’re probably an actor, so you didn’t need me to tell you that; however, as a host, one plays (what could be perceived as) the most difficult character out there… YOURSELF!
And while I always thought I stunk at making up a character, I know for a fact that I’m the best Tracy Metro out there because nobody can be a better Tracy Metro than, well, me, Tracy Metro!
I’ve been told it’s hard to play oneself on camera as there is “no character behind which to hide.” For me, it’s the complete antithesis. I actually enjoy bringing my own joie de vivre to the screen.
So, how do you know if you’re a host or an actor? If you like to be YOU on camera you’re a host. If you like to create characters living in imaginary circumstances then you’re definitely an actor.
Every time I head out the door to a hosting audition, my darling husband, Marty, says, “Don’t forget, be yourself!” Here’s why that’s an important thing to remember as a host: if you fabricate an inner life for a hosting role and you don’t get the job then you’ll never be sure if it’s your character they didn’t want, or if it was YOU. So, if you’re pursuing a career as a host, always be yourself at every turn, then you can be assured to book the jobs that have YOUR name written all over them.
In the infamous words of my husband, Marty Metro, “Good luck and be yourself!”
Tracy Metro is a TV host who has worked for Fine Living, TLC, Discovery, Disney, Sony, Mark Burnett, et al hosting shows about cooking, DIY, shopping, eco-lifestyle, et al subjects. To learn more about her (because now you’re intrigued), go to www.tracymetro.com