Is it possible for someone with a non-traditional background to become a good actor?

Question

When I say "non-traditional", I mean someone who has had little or no contact with the theatre in his/her immediate environment.

Answer 1

When you were a child did you have the ability to transform into a character and play that with other children for hours? If the answer is yes then you have all the background you need to be an actor. Essentially that is what acting is. It is becoming someone else for a while just like pretending. I can remember going to a movie and playing the characters all the way home. In those days they had Sat. afternoon matinees, mostly Westerns. We would leave the theater and walk home about two miles through a big city park where we would totally relive the movie. Pretending was fun and acting is fun. Today if you want to act, just find a couple of monologues and learn them well. Learn how to pretend that you are the characters in the monologues. Usually a comedic and a serious piece, not over five minutes long. Then watch the casting sites for audition notices. Forget about getting lead movie roll for a while and just enjoy pretending. After a while the casting people will start to reconize you and if something comes up that might fit you in the roll, they might give you a shot. Start an improv group in your town and use it like the Gym. It is excellent excercise and it will give you the ability to think on your feet and perform in front of people without being nervous. Then join or start a local theater and put on a production. "Our Town" will do. Like any artform the key is to do it. Dreaming alone will not get the job done. You must desire to pretend and then go find some people to pretend with.

Answer 2

I've taken acting/dance/voice classes for many years now, and have assistant directed many shows, and I've seen many people in formal training classes. I think that if you have talent, it's a natural ability. Being in touch with your emotions is something that can't be taught. I've seen MANY people go through acting lessons, and not come out any better than before, but I've also had a few come through, and before they even started to speak I could just say "He/She has it." If acting is THE ONLY THING you want to pursue, then GO FOR IT! If you're trying to decide between acting and another carreer, like teaching, go with teaching. Acting is a tough world and if its not the only thing you can imagine, then you'll be too easy to back off and end up waiting tables the rest of your life. Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes. I think it might even be a little better, because you don't have any preconceived notions of what things should be. Sometimes people who have been around theatre their whole lives tend to do things because that is the way they have seen it done on stage before, sometimes without even realizing it.

Answer 4

Sure, why not all you need is the ability to act and then make a video of yourself doing so, then submit it to the local arts council. You can also try out for certain parts that are called for in your area.

Answer 5

Sure, it's possible. Get yourself some training, and get busy.