I love to read blogs and articles in the acting industry. I often come across comments like the one below on those blogs and try to help as much as I can.
But since I am limited to the length of the comments I'm allowed to leave on those blogs, I decided to write my extended response to this question. So “Actress Anne,” (I don’t have her real name) this is for you.
Question from the Internet.
“I have failed at so many other things but ever since I stepped on a stage I fell in love with acting. This was when I was only 14 years old and all I got was negativity from my parents because they don't think acting is a career. Now I am just afraid of failure, but the more I look within myself the more I know what I should be doing.... acting. Has anyone else been afraid and what did you do to get over it? Would you think starting as an extra would help out?”
My reply to her.
"This question hits me hard because I know exactly what you mean. I grew up hearing my family, friends and teachers say “that’s great, you want to be an actress. That’s cute, but what are you going to be for real?” It took me a few failed college degrees to realize that there is nothing else I’d rather do with my life than to be an actress."
My suggestion is this.
- Stop listening to what people think, it’s hard to do I know, but it can be done.
- Enroll in an acting class or workshop.
- Work as an extra if you live in an area that has those opportunities OR get to know the people that run your local theater and help out as well as audition for roles. This is just to get started and to show you just how possible this is.
This is YOUR life and this is YOUR dream. All you have to do is reach out and take what you want out of this. Once you have enough training and experience on sets and theater, you should start looking for an agent. Connect with me on Facebook and I can show you how.
Never give up on your dreams.