Why doesn't my mom want me to become an actress, which is my dream? Please help!?

Question

I got a call from an agency that I submitted myself to. They would like me to audition for local modeling and local commercials. This is how stars start off! And it wouldn't interfere with school. But when I asked my mom, she said "No way. Forget it." This sort of this always happens. She knows my dream is to become an actress, but she says my time will come. Well, my time will never come if I sit on my butt all day like she wants me to! Why doesn't she want me to become and actress? And how can I achieve my dream (I'm 13) when the person I need most won'tbe there for me?

Sorry, I meant an actress, not and actress

Answer 1

Miss A, I understand your frustration. I can answer your question better if I know where you live (NY, LA, or a place not as close to the centers of theater.) I'm not asking specifically, so you are not to reveal exactly where you live.
I can't explain your mom to you because I don't know her personally. There are some general reasons why any parent may limit their child's exposure to acting. Find a time when you can talk to your mom, and find out what her opinions are. Don't argue with her about whether she is right or wrong, just listen to understand what she feels.
Here's more:
First, the modeling business is VERY hard to get into, and there are many people in the world who have no intention to help you start your career, but want only to exploit you. Some want to take photos of you, to put in a book they will tell you goes to Hollywood producers or NY model agencies. They will not go to either one of those. And those photos are very expensive. You will get a copy of that book if you are lucky -most people do not. Those books are rarely ever published. There are many tricksters out there who have figured out how to get people's money.
Second, Hollywood producers, NY modeling agencies have so many thousands of applicants that even the most beautiful girls get rejected. It's a painful process. Having a unique personality helps, but it's not a guarantee. Those agency owners and producers know that if a girl is really, really, interested in becoming an actress, when you are 18 or older, you will find a way. If you live in LA or NY, you may be able to try out younger, but ONLY if you parents approve of it and support it.
What you can do until you are old enough is take acting classes at school, participate in local theater, and summer classes. Those will teach you how auditions work, and if you get a part, how it feels to be on stage in front of an audience.
After you graduate from high school you can taking acting in college. So work hard to get good grades so you can get into a good acting college.
If your mom does not support your dreams, don't give up. Read books about actors, acting, plays, theater, and making movies. If you are still inspired to act by the time you go to college, you will have a much better idea of what acting and modeling is about, and what you have to do to get a part. Some times you will feel discouraged, but don't give up. If you are mad or disappointed, stop for a short time, then pick it back up when you feel happier.

Answer 2

"I got a call from an agency that I submitted myself to" ???
What did you submit? A full portfolio? Emailed a pic?
Stars do not start off because they submit something to an "agency".
If your dream is to become an actress then join the drama club at school and your local children's theater. If there isn't one, start one up with an after school drama project.
Practice reading screenplays, get experience using a camera, learn video editing software so you can make your own films and star in them!!
Your mom will support you once she sees you putting in more effort. Dreams do not come easy, so get to work.

Answer 3

First of all you are only 13 so you are a minor and thus require permission and guidance from your parents. How you were able to get a call from an agency that you submitted yourself to is troubling. A quality and reputable agency would have gotten in touch with a parent or guardian on your behalf. So on that note, I agree with your mom.

If this is your dream, start with auditioning for local school productions and other local amateur productions that your parents have looked into and are comfortable with. If you are really good, I guarantee that a local acting coach or drama teacher will recognize your talent and help you further your dream. "THE ONLY WAY TO CARNEGIE HALL, IS PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE". If you understand this slogan, then you may well be on your way.

Answer 4

Because, statistically speaking, you have a snowballs chance in Hell of being "discovered". She wants you to pursue more realistic aspirations like doing well in school. And chances are, the people who want you to audition want you to do so because they want money. I'm sure you are great in what you do, but every business including agencies are out for one person to succeed and that's themselves. At 13, show your mother that you have the initiative and join your schools drama club. Be active now in the ways you can and show to your mom that you are serious, and she will treat you seriously eventually, 13 is very young, start small, and work your way up. Many actors weren't "discovered" until later in life. Keep plugging away and if it was meant to be then it will! :)

Answer 5

If you told her that your first jobs would involve modelling and commercials, it is obvious she was going to say "no".
The younger you are, the more likely you are to be chosen for the worst parts. It´s like they give young girls the jobs that older actresses and models do not want to do, and it generally involves nude and sex scenes or pics.
I know you don´t want to hear this, but the truth is that show business is not a very good environment. It involves sex, drugs, and it is not 100% sure that you will succeed.
You may have all that takes to become a great artist, but because you refused to do someone of great power "a favour" (Hope everybody knows what I mean), you might not be asked to play an important role for your career.

Answer 6

Because Mom knows that there is only a slim chance you will make it in that business and she is RIGHT! Here is the thing. Agencies who get stuff like that which you submitted nearly ALWAYS call back EVERYONE because they see DOLLAR SIGNS. Get it? You are a minor and VERY anive, and they know this, and hope that your Mom and Dad will pay them to represent you. They cannot legally deal with a minor (that is against the law). Only a VERY few select girls EVER make it modeling and/or acting, and even some famous modelhave bombed out in the acting world. You DON'T have to sit on your butt, however. Youc ould join community theater, school plays, etc., and get in with a group who is interested in these things. Your Mom knows that education is the MOST important thing, because you NEED that to fall back on in case you don't become a successful actress or model, and again, the chances of this happening are VERY SLIM. You may be attractive but there are thousands and thousands of attractive young girls out there who have a dream like yours, and the industry can only support a few of them. It may seem harsh now, but I believe your Mom is thinking in your best interests and that is why she told you that your time will come. She means when you are of age and able to make better decisions and see things a bit more clearly. Right now you are living in a fantasy world. Listen to Mom for the time being and get going in community theater!

Answer 7

Why don't you get your feet wet in community theatre---possibly you may get your mother interested,also. If all you do is learn how to audition, the time will be will spent. I imagine Mom would go to the auditions with you.

Out of curiosity: How did you manage to get the Head Shot and Composites all legit agencies want to see before they even meet you if your mother is so much against your dreams.

Answer 8

join the club. my parents said the same-flat out no. What I'm doin, is waiting till college, coz if i do it when im young, i might turn into a pot head like drew. neways the chances of me becoming 'big' are slim, and i can't base my whole life on something that might crumple in my face. so, im going to UCLA (los angeles) studying to become a lawyer, and while I'm there, I might audition for a few. good luck

Answer 9

WOW!!!! Only 13!!!!! You really don't need to rush it!!!! You have all the time in the world to do everything you want. I think your mom is stressing because she herself doesn't even know how the business works so she wants to know more. While there you are wanting things NOW instead of being patient and let the right people get in contact with you......the rest is only HIPE.......remember you are only 13...... watch how mush your life will change in two years!!!!!......Good luck

Answer 10

Give her a plan on how you will become successful that is realistic and very probable?
It is how i convinced my parents to let me study to become a film director.