John Clarence Stewart is Trusting the Journey

How did you know that you had what it took to work as an actor as a profession?
I am still doing it. Not giving up. Even though the path is sometimes unclear.  So much of what I believe answers this question has to do with a degree of perseverance and choice.  I have had seasons, multiple seasons, where there were months between actually acting in a project. Those months filled with auditions and rejection, and that can really grate on an actor.  That said, it's all part of the path. I believe that the roles the we find, or the roles that find us are meant for us. No one can 'take' what is for me.  That said, if I quit, I could not show up for the opportunity, for the story that is meant for my instrument. So, How? Interrogating my 'why'. And accepting that there are cycles, and that is a part of the actor/artists journey.

What does success look like for you?
Success to me looks like having more and more choice in the stories I tell and the characters I play. It looks like building my community of people whose work I love and respect and creating stories together. Looks like expanding into various modes of storytelling as a Creator/Director/Producer.  It looks like Freedom. Freedom. 

What stage or platform do you desire to perform and why?
When I think of stages I want to perform on Broadway and in the West End come to mind.  Both in a limited run of a play that I LOVE. Maybe even a musical. I also recently did a show at 54 Below in NY, a solo concert and I would love to do more of that. Traveling to different countries on a tour.

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How do you prepare for an audition?
It varies for each character. Read the script, of course. Learn the lines. Ask a ton of questions, and make it personal. Then let it all go and be in the moment. 

How do you remain motivated in such a competitive industry?
I remain motivated by watching work that I love, experiencing other art and artists. Trusting my journey is specific and unfolding for my highest good.  Also, understanding that the industry is competitive, but there is also a unique spark in me, just like there is a unique spark in everyone else. What's for me is for me. I do the work, believe in creating authentic and true characters, people, souls, and the rest of it I have to release.  It has nothing to do with the work. 

How do you process the criticism/compliments from the work that you do?
This is an ongoing process. Generally speaking I prefer to just stay focused on the work and my why.