How can I have two careers at one time ??????
I want to be an actress and singer. #film
2 answers
David’s Answer
Hi Lana,
You want to be a singer and an actor. First you should know that I am a singer/songwriter, and art director in film, a screenwriter, a producer. a production designer , a script doctor and a director. I have also acted in films in both speaking and non speaking extra work. I have gone from the set to the stage in a club in Hollywood many times.
Most of the actors I know have more than one job, many are singers/musicians. My sister is a SAG/AFTRA actor and also works as a translator. You just have to want to do both. Both are a ton of fun and a ton of work. But here is the great part. Singing and acting are both acting. A song is a three minute musical. Really. Your job on stage or in front of the camera is to sell the part to the audience. As an actor you sell the role with lines and movement. Singing you sell the lyrics with emotion and physical movements. See the connection? The more acting you learn the better you will be on stage singing and the more you're on stage the more comfortable you will be in front of the camera as well as on the stage acting.
In the mid 1990's a guy I hired to work art department on a feature film was also a drummer. He left the shoot to play drums for a young singer who also acted. You might know her. Milla Jovovich. Rather than ask how can I? Try asking how can I not? Ice T started as a rapper and for a long time he's been big time acting and he's still rapping.
So how do you do it. You just do it.
David recommends the following next steps:
Paul’s Answer
That being said, you may want to get some impartial opinions about your current talent level for both. For example, are you a better actor than singer? That may give you some insight on 1) what you want to pursue first, and, 2) what you need to work on most. Can you start doing acting auditions right away while you're taking vocal classes - or maybe dance classes? They're all necessary as part of a creative career.
The hardest part is that everyone's skill level is different. You have to figure out for yourself what your strengths are right now, and decide a course of action to get to your goals. People can give their opinions about your talent, but know it's ultimately up to you.
And no offense, but do NOT take the advice of your friends and family! Of course they're gonna tell you you're awesome, because they love you and want to support you. You need someone who's got experience in the industry, and is going to tell you HONESTLY where you are. As I say, the world needs fewer Paula Abduls and more Simon Cowells! He's not nice about it, but Simon tells people the unvarnished truth!
Good luck!