I studied theatre, graduated six years ago from college, and did theatre for a year. Then I got married and a job and had a baby. How do I find time to get back into theater now with all that is happening in my life? Is is selfish to want to go back to theater? Is there any way to contribute to my household income while fulfilling my yearnings for performance?
2006-06-15 16:53:05 · 10 answers · asked by forgetfulmouse 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
It's not selfish to have a gift or ability and want to share it with the world. That's one of the things "civilians" don't understand about the Arts... that there is something within us to express that we cannot stifle. Sometimes there is no way to keep from it.
Economic concerns are another matter. I have dear friends, both professional actors, one of whom stayed home to raise their child through the early years. Then they started to trade off . One in rehearsal during the day, one performing at night, so that they could take care of their son.
To get yourself back into "the scene," and get your theatre muscles active again, you might start with community theatres, unless you have a union card and have kept it active. There are some non-union theatres that pay -- I know, I've worked at about eight of them on a regular basis.
You might also try to be seen by an agent who can arrange auditions for flim and commercial. There's usually just enough lead time to arrange time off from work for auditions or, if you're lucky enough, the final product.
If you can afford a class, it's a good way to build a network with others.
As far as continuing to contribute to the household income, there are temp jobs and jobs that have different shifts, like mornings at a coffehouse or cafe breakfast shift.
2006-06-15 18:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by blueowlboy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Performing can mean so many things, but with a family it gets harder and harder to find the time and energy. If you really must throw yourself to the footlights full on, make sure your partner is a part of the plan. However, if you need something less time consuming, look into live readings, or perhaps read children's books at the library. I know several Moms on the go who do commercial work. If you are in a large enough city that is, but even small towns have ad agencies.
Consider teaching what you know. Are there any dance studios that offer classes?
Create some conventions characters and perform "streetmosphere" for conventions and groups that come into your area.
Write and sell a walking tour of Historical interest.
And we can always use new playwrights!!!!
Find your passion and tweak it a little to make it work for you.
2006-06-16 00:23:05 · answer #2 · answered by Robsthings 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not selfish at all. Try finding a community theatre program that accepts both children and adults. The program I run takes people from 5 to adult - something like that might be a great place to start. You can slowly ease back into theatre in a fun and low-key setting, and not feel guilty about time spent away from the baby.
2006-06-16 08:46:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I don't think you're being selfish for wanting to get back into something that you enjoy. Are there any community theatres in the area where you live? If so, there's your answer.
If you can work during the day, you would have your nights free for rehearsals and performances. I say GO FOR IT !!
2006-06-16 10:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by Wil M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spent 24 years in corporate IT as my day job. I found as many opportunities that I could to be invovled in theatre. Now I am back designing in theatre and film pretty much full time.
Its tough to be married to a family and theatre at the same time.
2006-06-16 06:18:50 · answer #5 · answered by DramaGuy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending upon what type of acting credits you have, you may want to think about becoming an acting coach.
If you've been on this site for any length of time, you know most of these wannabe actors, have "no clue" about the industry. You may be able to fill a niche by coaching monologues for actors.
Or, you may want to contact some of the acting schools in your area and offer to work part-time.
If you have a speciality, such as Shakespeare, it would be good to coach actors on Shakespearean monologues.
Hope this helps.
2006-06-22 04:38:53 · answer #6 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you really don't wanna rock your household completly, keep your day job and do Community Theatre, i gaurantee there is one right near your house. Most people there probably have no theatre jobs and just do it for fun.
2006-06-16 12:43:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure your "day job" is at night so you can go to auditions in the daytime.
This is why so many aspiring actor's wait tables.
2006-06-22 18:41:05 · answer #8 · answered by wcf42 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, if it is your passion in life go for it! I would start out by auditioning for summer stock productions.
2006-06-17 10:26:45 · answer #9 · answered by gail m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out the book "The Artist's Way". good luck.
2006-06-16 00:15:37 · answer #10 · answered by mystic east 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋