2 answers
McKenna
Student
Saint Petersburg, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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I’m interested in becoming an actress. How difficult is it to become one?
I’m in 8th grade and I am in love with theatre and want to be on broadway one day.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2293
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, McKenna !
I'll be very fair and honest with you about becoming an actress. It is easy for some people and very hard for other people. I realize that doesn't help much, but acting is unique to the person and depends on many, many things.
It will be difficult if you have visions of fame, fortune or glamour. If it's that you want to earn your income from acting, well, that will make it a lot easier. There's a lot to learn for this career and you will know when you are ready. It takes a lot of education, training, experience and building contacts through networking and then some people move to New York City, NY or Los Angeles, CA where most of the work is. It's perfectly fine to train and take the path in your hometown and state at first. It requires on-going training and practice, too.
This career demands that you become very versatile. Although you have visions of Broadway, it is very difficult to get cast. You have to focus on training first and be open to working in school theatre, community theatre, regional theatre, film, television, video and internet projects. As an actress, you do not depend on only one medium or genre - you train for all of it. It's good to start the training young so you should definitely join a theatre club at school and continue the same throughout high school. I went to college for a Bachelors Degree in Theatre so that is the path I would recommend because the training was excellent and it provided me with exciting opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I also did my share of relocating to Hollywood and New York City. I also took community training in specific areas of acting (film acting, improvisation) during and after college. It's a lot of time spent and lots of work but worth it if you have a strong passion for it.
No one can tell you how your own career will go. You just have to be willing to start training and getting experience at school so you can make decisions about it along the way. You will see that each project that you work on is exciting and leaves you with a sense of fulfilled accomplishment. This is a feeling that will keep you going.
So start getting involved at your school and continue with it. Consider going to college to study the career and be around other actors. The sooner you begin this at school it will start to feel real to you and you'll learn so much that will prepare you for college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I'll be very fair and honest with you about becoming an actress. It is easy for some people and very hard for other people. I realize that doesn't help much, but acting is unique to the person and depends on many, many things.
It will be difficult if you have visions of fame, fortune or glamour. If it's that you want to earn your income from acting, well, that will make it a lot easier. There's a lot to learn for this career and you will know when you are ready. It takes a lot of education, training, experience and building contacts through networking and then some people move to New York City, NY or Los Angeles, CA where most of the work is. It's perfectly fine to train and take the path in your hometown and state at first. It requires on-going training and practice, too.
This career demands that you become very versatile. Although you have visions of Broadway, it is very difficult to get cast. You have to focus on training first and be open to working in school theatre, community theatre, regional theatre, film, television, video and internet projects. As an actress, you do not depend on only one medium or genre - you train for all of it. It's good to start the training young so you should definitely join a theatre club at school and continue the same throughout high school. I went to college for a Bachelors Degree in Theatre so that is the path I would recommend because the training was excellent and it provided me with exciting opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I also did my share of relocating to Hollywood and New York City. I also took community training in specific areas of acting (film acting, improvisation) during and after college. It's a lot of time spent and lots of work but worth it if you have a strong passion for it.
No one can tell you how your own career will go. You just have to be willing to start training and getting experience at school so you can make decisions about it along the way. You will see that each project that you work on is exciting and leaves you with a sense of fulfilled accomplishment. This is a feeling that will keep you going.
So start getting involved at your school and continue with it. Consider going to college to study the career and be around other actors. The sooner you begin this at school it will start to feel real to you and you'll learn so much that will prepare you for college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
370
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi McKenna,
Start by participating in school plays and local theater to gain stage experience. Consider to take acting classes or workshops to enhance your skills, and explore singing and dancing, as musical theater values versatile performers. I recommend to join drama clubs to connect with like-minded individuals and seek advice from mentors. Like any other career, networking is crucial, so attend shows, workshops, and online groups to meet industry professionals and stay informed about auditions. Please note that the journey may include auditions and rejections, but remain determined and focused on your goals. Best of luck!
Start by participating in school plays and local theater to gain stage experience. Consider to take acting classes or workshops to enhance your skills, and explore singing and dancing, as musical theater values versatile performers. I recommend to join drama clubs to connect with like-minded individuals and seek advice from mentors. Like any other career, networking is crucial, so attend shows, workshops, and online groups to meet industry professionals and stay informed about auditions. Please note that the journey may include auditions and rejections, but remain determined and focused on your goals. Best of luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
McKenna