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could you start acting at 12?
i was wondering could i start acting at twelve? one of the main concerns i had is my genetics made me tall young at 6'1 so i don't know if i could do roles my age. and secondly how do you even start out acting as a whole? i think theatre and musicals are cool but i find films and tv more interesting.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Gabriel !
Yes, you can begin the journey of learning Acting at any age and any stature. This is a good question because you seem to have some insight about the field and it's awesome that you are exploring it to start out. If your passion, commitment and networking contacts are consistent, you will do well.
Casting is an entire whole and actors are parts of the whole. When you audition for something, the casting people are going to take into consideration how you interact with the other characters in the project. This means, how do you look and sound with the other actors in the show. It's all going to depend on the casting people, what they have in mind - and no one ever really knows for sure because that is a purely subjective decision they make. So we all go into it, knowing that, bringing our own special nuances and each audition is practice and a lesson, never a wasted experience.
I have worked on stage with a deaf actress and I knew an actor that was an amputee. There is so much physical diversity in the field of acting and a wide range of opportunities for stage, film, television, podcasts, internet videos, voice overs and User Generated Content (UGC), so there's a huge market out there and only room for progress for your career. The real concern may be that until you are 18, you won't be able to actually be in acting outside of school unless a parent or a committed adult accompanies you and oversees your path and provides transportation.
So I would advise that you should just start your discoveries of yourself as an actor and begin right there at your school. Involve yourself with it all through high school as well. The acting classes and community based schools in New York City are quite expensive, but if your parents are willing to pay, you can explore training outside of school. You can explore Children's Acting Academy at 131 West 72 Street, NY (link is below), The Barrow Group (link is below) which has a special program for tweens, and the New York Film Academy has a summer camp for acting for your age group (link is below) which you can explore at their website. Doing a summer theatre camp each summer between school years would be a good idea and an opportunity to gain experience.
As you move along in your acting training, many revelations will be happening for you and you will gradually understand what goes into the work. Start meeting other actors your age at your school or any groups you may attend outside of school. Read as much as you can about the technique and theories of acting and about the methods that are taught. I was trained heavily with a mixture of the Uta Hagen Method and the Stanislavski method but am very open to any method a director uses or whatever is needed. Education and daily learning is what will propel your progress as an actor.
So I say - go for it ! You can do it. You have a great deal of time to train and learn and now is as good of a time as any. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best in all that you pursue !
CHILDREN'S ACTING ACADEMY https://childrensactingacademy.com/
THE BARROW GROUP https://www.barrowgroup.org/acting-school/classes/youth-programs/
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY https://www.nyfa.edu/acting-for-kids/
Yes, you can begin the journey of learning Acting at any age and any stature. This is a good question because you seem to have some insight about the field and it's awesome that you are exploring it to start out. If your passion, commitment and networking contacts are consistent, you will do well.
Casting is an entire whole and actors are parts of the whole. When you audition for something, the casting people are going to take into consideration how you interact with the other characters in the project. This means, how do you look and sound with the other actors in the show. It's all going to depend on the casting people, what they have in mind - and no one ever really knows for sure because that is a purely subjective decision they make. So we all go into it, knowing that, bringing our own special nuances and each audition is practice and a lesson, never a wasted experience.
I have worked on stage with a deaf actress and I knew an actor that was an amputee. There is so much physical diversity in the field of acting and a wide range of opportunities for stage, film, television, podcasts, internet videos, voice overs and User Generated Content (UGC), so there's a huge market out there and only room for progress for your career. The real concern may be that until you are 18, you won't be able to actually be in acting outside of school unless a parent or a committed adult accompanies you and oversees your path and provides transportation.
So I would advise that you should just start your discoveries of yourself as an actor and begin right there at your school. Involve yourself with it all through high school as well. The acting classes and community based schools in New York City are quite expensive, but if your parents are willing to pay, you can explore training outside of school. You can explore Children's Acting Academy at 131 West 72 Street, NY (link is below), The Barrow Group (link is below) which has a special program for tweens, and the New York Film Academy has a summer camp for acting for your age group (link is below) which you can explore at their website. Doing a summer theatre camp each summer between school years would be a good idea and an opportunity to gain experience.
As you move along in your acting training, many revelations will be happening for you and you will gradually understand what goes into the work. Start meeting other actors your age at your school or any groups you may attend outside of school. Read as much as you can about the technique and theories of acting and about the methods that are taught. I was trained heavily with a mixture of the Uta Hagen Method and the Stanislavski method but am very open to any method a director uses or whatever is needed. Education and daily learning is what will propel your progress as an actor.
So I say - go for it ! You can do it. You have a great deal of time to train and learn and now is as good of a time as any. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best in all that you pursue !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Gabriel
You're welcome, Gabriel !
Michelle M.
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Gabriel, remember that there's no age limit to start acting. Your unique height could be a distinct advantage, potentially opening doors for roles that match your stature and youthful energy.
It's not apparent from your query if your passion lies in stage or film acting. Each has its own unique demands and acting styles. However, don't let this deter you. Reach out to a local drama instructor or become a part of a community group, whether it's theater or film, and dive in wholeheartedly! Stay calm and savor the experience. You're young with a lifetime ahead to master and refine your acting skills. So, go ahead and embrace this exciting journey!
It's not apparent from your query if your passion lies in stage or film acting. Each has its own unique demands and acting styles. However, don't let this deter you. Reach out to a local drama instructor or become a part of a community group, whether it's theater or film, and dive in wholeheartedly! Stay calm and savor the experience. You're young with a lifetime ahead to master and refine your acting skills. So, go ahead and embrace this exciting journey!
Thank you so much!
Gabriel
Updated
Joseph D’s Answer
Good Day Gabriel, I was born and raised in the business. You are unique. WE WANT THAT!! Get pics and vids done and start making NOISE. The safe platforms are a good place to start. YouTube will give you great practice when you start a (free) channel.
Study the craft and the industry in school as much as you can, but don't limit your life, we need your experiences off-camera too.
Art is a concept.....BE art.
Joseph D Freda
Study the craft and the industry in school as much as you can, but don't limit your life, we need your experiences off-camera too.
Art is a concept.....BE art.
Joseph D Freda
thank you for the advice!
Gabriel
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hey Gabriel!
Starting to act at 12, especially in film and TV, can be an exciting adventure! First off, get involved in local theater or drama clubs to gain experience and build your confidence on stage. You can also take acting classes specifically focused on screen acting, as this will help you understand the differences between theater and film performance. Next, consider getting a good headshot, as that’s essential for auditions. Look for local talent agencies that work with young actors; they can help you find auditions for film and TV projects. You can also check out casting websites like Backstage or even social media platforms where casting calls are posted. Make sure to practice regularly, work on monologues, and even film yourself to get comfortable in front of the camera. Networking is key, so try to connect with other young actors and industry professionals. Lastly, keep a positive attitude and be persistent—auditions can be tough, but every experience helps you grow as an actor!
Starting to act at 12, especially in film and TV, can be an exciting adventure! First off, get involved in local theater or drama clubs to gain experience and build your confidence on stage. You can also take acting classes specifically focused on screen acting, as this will help you understand the differences between theater and film performance. Next, consider getting a good headshot, as that’s essential for auditions. Look for local talent agencies that work with young actors; they can help you find auditions for film and TV projects. You can also check out casting websites like Backstage or even social media platforms where casting calls are posted. Make sure to practice regularly, work on monologues, and even film yourself to get comfortable in front of the camera. Networking is key, so try to connect with other young actors and industry professionals. Lastly, keep a positive attitude and be persistent—auditions can be tough, but every experience helps you grow as an actor!
I appreciate your support, Annaleigh
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