I'm an Asian girl and I want to get into Broadway?

Question

do i have a chance? i heard that its a lot harder for asians to get into broadway than caucasian. also, do u have any suggestions for me to get in? im 13, so i cant move to NYC or something, and my schedule is packed with my clarinet, piano, and drama club so i cant perform in the drama program @ our local theater. Also, i cant do the summer musical because it costs too much money. But, a lot of people say that im a good singer and actor, and im not the greatest dancer(ive never taken dance lessons) i can learn really quickly. do looks count? because a friend of mine(her mom briefly performed in broadway) she said that my looks were probably good enough to get in...so, could neone help? do i have a chance?

i can sing REALLY REALLY REALLY loud...u could call me a belter

Answer 1

At 13 don't worry about that right now. You have many years ahead of you. One doesn't just "Get into Broaday." Broadway performers are specific types. One must be an excellent dancer/singer with, preferably, a Broadway Belt voice.

When you graduate from college and graduate school (get an MFA in Theatre) you come to New York and audition like all of the other actor/dancers that want to become a Broadway performer.

Don't think of yourself as an Asian girl, think of yourself as a Broadway singer/actor!

Answer 2

I know a bunch of Musical Theatre college grads who are getting roles in touring Broadway productions, so I know a MFA is not necessary. But starting in high school, you should start preparing for the rigorous audition process for getting accepted to good college Musical Theatre programs. Some of the best programs include senior showcases in NYC that are attended by casting directors and agents, and getting an agent is your best way to "get into Broadway."

You might want to consider dropping clarinet in high school in favor of choir or private voice lessons. And of course continue being involved in your school's theater group. Dance is part of the curriculum for musical theatre majors, but you don't have to have any dance training to be admitted. It's understood that many MT's are not looking to be triple threats.

Just like our country is becoming more diverse, so are the parts for actors, so don't worry about being Asian. In fact, current trends are already showing that having an ethnic look is an up and coming asset. And, frankly, since college programs aim to be diverse as well, you might even have a bit of an advantage.

If you want to get to Broadway, make it a priority to perform as much as possible in your local and school theatre groups. Build your resume locally. There are also scholarships to many summer theatre programs for high school students. Keep at it, and you definitely have a chance.