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I’d it possible to become an actor at 14 and if so how?
I’ve been wanting to be in the entertainment business for my whole life. Now that I’m 14 and have some skills I want to know how I can make this a possibility.
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Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Joshua !
Wow, your passion for acting is tangible and it's awesome that you already have some skills as you have mentioned.
Not knowing how to start an acting career comes from not being among other serious actors or having anything show biz around you. For one thing, you must have a parent or interested and trusted adult oversee and manage your acting endeavors. Continue to do as many shows at school and discuss your possible career with your parents before taking any active steps outside of high school. Your parents would have to make a commitment to assist you at auditions and anytime you are on a set or rehearsals at a theatre. Depending on the production company, sometimes there are adults hired who are in charge of overseeing the child actors. Your parents would also have to understand and sign the contracts. Once you are 18, you can do it on your own.
Auditions and projects most often can be scheduled during the time that you are in school, so I highly advise not neglecting your school schedule to work as an actor. You will have to make commitments only while you are not attending school. You see, as a professional actor, you must be available all day long. Sometimes projects can come about for evenings and weekends, but you can't rely on that. If you get an agent, you will be expected to be brought to any location at any time on any day. So it's best right now to see what is doable and when you turn 18, you can make different choices.
The New York Film Academy has summer camps and workshops for teens (link is below). Actors Technique NY has instruction in on-camera and musical theatre for teens and gives teens an opportunity to be in productions (link is below). They also have 5-day Camps. The Barrow Group (link below) offers acting classes for youth. If you want one of the best experiences, check out The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute - the one in New York (link below). They offer classes for youth and teens.
You can still audition for community theatre roles if your parent(s) approve. You will need safe transportation and sometimes rehearsals can be well into 11:00 P.M. So my best advice is to take classes and participate in any plays or projects connected to the classes for now. In a way, it's hard to advise. If you included information about how involved your parent(s) is willing to be, my advice would be completely different. I think that you would do well to keep up your grades at school and only do classes and projects that you have time for outside of school. An acting career is just not something one can do independently at the age of 14. Start building a support group of like-minded people and making contacts through doing shows. Only submit your photos, resume and reels when you are completely free and available for acting work. Many child actors have had their parent oversee and guide their career, so it looks like it can be done, but everyone's circumstances are different and it's okay to start where you are and progress as you go along. There is no need to rush it but there is a need to enjoy every step of the way.
I wish you all the best and never give up ! You will have a unique journey towards your dream career !
THE NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY FOR CAMPS AND WORKSHOPS FOR TEENS https://www.nyfa.edu/
ACTORS TECHNIQUE NY FOR TEENS Actors Technique NY (ATNY)
THE BARROW GROUP https://www.barrowgroup.org/
LEE STRASBERG THEATRE AND FILM SCHOOL (CLASSES FOR YOUTH AND TEENS) https://strasberg.edu/new-york-theatre-film-school/about/
Wow, your passion for acting is tangible and it's awesome that you already have some skills as you have mentioned.
Not knowing how to start an acting career comes from not being among other serious actors or having anything show biz around you. For one thing, you must have a parent or interested and trusted adult oversee and manage your acting endeavors. Continue to do as many shows at school and discuss your possible career with your parents before taking any active steps outside of high school. Your parents would have to make a commitment to assist you at auditions and anytime you are on a set or rehearsals at a theatre. Depending on the production company, sometimes there are adults hired who are in charge of overseeing the child actors. Your parents would also have to understand and sign the contracts. Once you are 18, you can do it on your own.
Auditions and projects most often can be scheduled during the time that you are in school, so I highly advise not neglecting your school schedule to work as an actor. You will have to make commitments only while you are not attending school. You see, as a professional actor, you must be available all day long. Sometimes projects can come about for evenings and weekends, but you can't rely on that. If you get an agent, you will be expected to be brought to any location at any time on any day. So it's best right now to see what is doable and when you turn 18, you can make different choices.
The New York Film Academy has summer camps and workshops for teens (link is below). Actors Technique NY has instruction in on-camera and musical theatre for teens and gives teens an opportunity to be in productions (link is below). They also have 5-day Camps. The Barrow Group (link below) offers acting classes for youth. If you want one of the best experiences, check out The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute - the one in New York (link below). They offer classes for youth and teens.
You can still audition for community theatre roles if your parent(s) approve. You will need safe transportation and sometimes rehearsals can be well into 11:00 P.M. So my best advice is to take classes and participate in any plays or projects connected to the classes for now. In a way, it's hard to advise. If you included information about how involved your parent(s) is willing to be, my advice would be completely different. I think that you would do well to keep up your grades at school and only do classes and projects that you have time for outside of school. An acting career is just not something one can do independently at the age of 14. Start building a support group of like-minded people and making contacts through doing shows. Only submit your photos, resume and reels when you are completely free and available for acting work. Many child actors have had their parent oversee and guide their career, so it looks like it can be done, but everyone's circumstances are different and it's okay to start where you are and progress as you go along. There is no need to rush it but there is a need to enjoy every step of the way.
I wish you all the best and never give up ! You will have a unique journey towards your dream career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
Yes, it is possible to become an actor at 14 years old. Many successful actors started their careers at a young age. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in acting:
1. Take acting classes: Look for acting classes or workshops in your area that are specifically designed for young actors. This will help you develop your skills, learn acting techniques, and gain experience.
2. Build a strong foundation: In addition to acting classes, consider participating in school plays, community theater productions, or local acting groups to gain more experience and build your resume.
3. Get an agent: Having a talent agent can help you find auditions and opportunities in the industry. Look for reputable talent agencies that represent young actors and inquire about representation.
4. Create a professional headshot and resume: A headshot is a crucial tool for actors, as it is often the first thing casting directors see when considering actors for roles. Create a professional headshot and a resume that highlights your acting experience, training, and special skills.
5. Attend auditions: Keep an eye out for audition opportunities in your area or submit your headshot and resume to casting calls for film, television, commercials, and theater productions. Be prepared to showcase your talent and skills at auditions.
6. Network: Networking is essential in the entertainment industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and acting classes to meet other actors, casting directors, and industry professionals who can help you advance your career.
7. Stay dedicated and persistent: Pursuing a career in acting can be challenging and competitive. Stay dedicated to honing your craft, improving your skills, and putting yourself out there for opportunities. Be prepared for rejection and keep pushing forward.
Remember that acting is a highly competitive field, but with dedication, hard work, and perseverance, you can pursue your passion for acting and work towards achieving your goals. Good luck on your acting journey!
Jennifer
Yes, it is possible to become an actor at 14 years old. Many successful actors started their careers at a young age. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in acting:
1. Take acting classes: Look for acting classes or workshops in your area that are specifically designed for young actors. This will help you develop your skills, learn acting techniques, and gain experience.
2. Build a strong foundation: In addition to acting classes, consider participating in school plays, community theater productions, or local acting groups to gain more experience and build your resume.
3. Get an agent: Having a talent agent can help you find auditions and opportunities in the industry. Look for reputable talent agencies that represent young actors and inquire about representation.
4. Create a professional headshot and resume: A headshot is a crucial tool for actors, as it is often the first thing casting directors see when considering actors for roles. Create a professional headshot and a resume that highlights your acting experience, training, and special skills.
5. Attend auditions: Keep an eye out for audition opportunities in your area or submit your headshot and resume to casting calls for film, television, commercials, and theater productions. Be prepared to showcase your talent and skills at auditions.
6. Network: Networking is essential in the entertainment industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and acting classes to meet other actors, casting directors, and industry professionals who can help you advance your career.
7. Stay dedicated and persistent: Pursuing a career in acting can be challenging and competitive. Stay dedicated to honing your craft, improving your skills, and putting yourself out there for opportunities. Be prepared for rejection and keep pushing forward.
Remember that acting is a highly competitive field, but with dedication, hard work, and perseverance, you can pursue your passion for acting and work towards achieving your goals. Good luck on your acting journey!
Jennifer
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Joshua!
I agree with all of the above answers, but I'd like to also add that you might find a more direct path by trying to go directly into film and television work. I took the long way around and did extensive training, but I spent most of my time inside of a classroom instead of on set. Research local on-camera agents, make a list, find out if/whether they are accepting new actors, prepare whatever audition materials they are asking for (hire a private acting coach to help you choose monologues and prep your audition), get some good headshots taken, and then submit your materials to the agents! How cool would it be to be called in to play a character on a long-running TV show? Even if it's just a day player role or guest starring role, you will be on your way to building your resume, AND your confidence! There are many on-camera teen acting boot camps or summer intensives happening in New York City right now--I bet you could sign up for one of them and they would help you follow these steps to finding agent representation.
You are in one of the best areas to make this dream happen! Go get 'em!
Sign up for an on-camera acting boot camp for teens
Get professional headshots taken
Research the list of on-camera agents in NYC and take note of their submission requirements
Prepare audition materials with a private acting coach
Submit your audition / self-tape to local agents for consideration
I agree with all of the above answers, but I'd like to also add that you might find a more direct path by trying to go directly into film and television work. I took the long way around and did extensive training, but I spent most of my time inside of a classroom instead of on set. Research local on-camera agents, make a list, find out if/whether they are accepting new actors, prepare whatever audition materials they are asking for (hire a private acting coach to help you choose monologues and prep your audition), get some good headshots taken, and then submit your materials to the agents! How cool would it be to be called in to play a character on a long-running TV show? Even if it's just a day player role or guest starring role, you will be on your way to building your resume, AND your confidence! There are many on-camera teen acting boot camps or summer intensives happening in New York City right now--I bet you could sign up for one of them and they would help you follow these steps to finding agent representation.
You are in one of the best areas to make this dream happen! Go get 'em!
Tara recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
It looks like you're in the perfect place to try to begin acting! New York, New York is, of course, famous for the opportunity in the arts and entertainment industries.
I would recommend starting with your school drama club. Your teacher would have the best advice since they have probably acted themselves. There's also a lot of technique and learning that goes into acting. and it's important to learn these skills to further your abilities.
Otherwise, you could work with your parent or guardian to begin looking for roles you want to audition for. There are lots of "No's" in the entertainment industry, but that will give you great experience and insight to finally get a "YES"!
Hope this helps
It looks like you're in the perfect place to try to begin acting! New York, New York is, of course, famous for the opportunity in the arts and entertainment industries.
I would recommend starting with your school drama club. Your teacher would have the best advice since they have probably acted themselves. There's also a lot of technique and learning that goes into acting. and it's important to learn these skills to further your abilities.
Otherwise, you could work with your parent or guardian to begin looking for roles you want to audition for. There are lots of "No's" in the entertainment industry, but that will give you great experience and insight to finally get a "YES"!
Hope this helps