I'm 16, at the top of my class, i have straight As and take all aps and honors classes, i do a ton of extracurriculars, yet more than anything i want to be an actress for film. is this weird to work so hard at every subject, every sport, and every club, even though my heart rests with movies? lol I've worked to go to Princeton my entire life (my parents had no influence in this goal), but all I want to do is act! im not sure what im asking, but please answer! =)
2007-03-22 15:14:21 · 14 answers · asked by sdf s 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
you guys are awesome! thanks for your encouraging words. except the first person, that was kind of weird lol.
2007-03-22 15:25:53 · update #1
It's not weird. To be honest, one of my bestfriend's is exactly like you! She was at the top of all of our classes, and yet she wants to be an actress. I make A's and B's in all my classes, and yet I want to sing or write songs for Broadways! We're just artistic, and at the same time smart in our studies. Though, you may need to think of a different college if you really want to be an actress. Julliard or something of that nature, or a Liberal Arts college with drama classes. But don't worry, it's not weird, or if it is, then me and my friend are weird with you, so your not alone!
Good luck in your acting career, or whatever career you choose!
2007-03-22 15:27:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a theatre pro. I've been doing it for a long time so I know what I'm talking about here. There's no money and no job security in theatre. You may get a couple a gigs a month, and then nothing for the next three months. You can't make long term plans because your plans can and will change with any given phone call. People will constantly try to take advantage of you. You'll have no health insurance. Everyone of your friends will be a crazy, narcissistic, backstabber. You will have to give up any hope of having a meaningful relationship, kids, a marriage, a comfortable future, or a dependable paycheck. You will live in poverty, with only a small clique of loonies who knows what you're talking about when you mention your "intention." You will have to work degrading and meaningless jobs to scrape by, you will go to casting calls that are run by drug addicted rapists, you will be one stiff wind away from being homeless. You will be in competition with millions of other people for jobs that don't pay very well.
But when you land a gig, and you get paid, and you get the applause that fills your fix, you start to think it might be ok. Until the jobs disappear again, and you're back on the bottom.
It is a deadly roller coaster of insanity. Do not go into it lightly, get hard and shrewd, and demand to be paid. Manage you money better than you ever have. Have some bankable skill. Do not put all of your work, talent and training into theatre. No one makes a living at theatre, not even if you own the house, it's worse than Vegas. Have something like accounting, or marketing, or some trade that is in demand that you can do when you're in down times. You will need it. Having a plan is more important than talent.
If you're serious about it, and you want to pursue it, I'm warning you that the field is littered with dangers and dead bodies, and you will go hungry. But it's also a ton of fun and one hell of a way to spend a life.
2007-03-22 18:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by Jay W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You mentioned being involved in every sport and club-- how many plays have you been involved in? Were you successful? Did you enjoy it?
And no matter what you decide-- keep in mind that a good education is always a great safety net. Acting is an incredibly competive field and you might need to pick up another job while acting if you're set on pursuing such a career.
2007-03-22 15:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by gracelikerain_89 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know Wentworth Miller? He was constantly in the honor roll during his younger days then he graduated from Princeton with a degree in English lit. Now he's an actor and he's pretty good at it too. In his interviews he said he tried acting because if he didn't he will be wondering what could have happened if he took another path. I say go to Princeton, get your degree then try your hand at acting. If acting is not for you then you have your degree to fall back on. At least you will not be left wondering 'What if-?'
2007-03-23 15:03:55 · answer #4 · answered by the_Dominatrix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more you know about the world will help you as an actor. Being well read and well educated in certain subjects can only help you. "People watching" helps too. Focus on a persons' intentions or actions, what tactics people use to get what they want. All of this information you can gain just by living your life and paying attention. Meryl Streep and Jodie Foster did very well in their studies and are at the top of their game. Read up on them. Good luck
2007-03-25 16:59:26 · answer #5 · answered by Cat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not weird. People have personal standards for themselves, and they attack whatever they do with those standards in place. Obviously, you're a very high achiever. It's important for you to do well in school, and you work hard at your academics and your extra-curriculur activities as well.
That's the good news. Now, here's the bad news, and you need to hear it. If you want to be an "actress for film," then you have to understand that you're committing yourself to an enterprise where all of your hard work will not NECESSARILY get you where you want to go. Trust me, there are dozens/hundreds/thousands of talented and hard-working would-be perfomers out there who NEVER get the break they need to become working actors...let alone stars.
Don't get me wrong; I would never tell you not to give it a chance. But, you're clearly a smart young lady, and you need to know what you're letting yourself in for. In the acting field, effort does not necessarily equal achievement. If it's what you feel you NEED to do, go for it, but...try to maintain your sense of perspective.
2007-03-23 05:04:45 · answer #6 · answered by shkspr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I've got a friend like that.
It's not weird. Acting doesn't have to be your one and only passion! A bunch of things can be. And really, it just seems like you are helluva worker there. Someone that is reponsible, smart and able.
You go girl! Get yourself in a good film and make your dream happen.
You've got the determination and the discipline to do it... right?
2007-03-22 15:23:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all.
It just means that you not only have a dream for teh theater and not only do you belong in the theater and not only is your heart set on the theater but you have a need and a drive to excell in anything and everything you do and from what you say thats what you do!!!
You will do great in life!
If for some reason you dont make it in the theater world... you can basically fall back on anything!!!
Good Luck in Life! Not that you need it!! =-]
God Bless!
2007-03-22 15:23:24 · answer #8 · answered by ☮ Miss ♥ Sloan ♫ Amor ツ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every thing you learn now you may need later while you prepare for a role.
English will help you with script comprehension, Math will let you comprehend your royalty cheques, Science will teach you patience, and prepare you for a guest role on e.r.(wink)History will give you context as you resurrect the classics, sports will keep you in shape to perform and help you know how your body works,
I could keep going... but ...
it is that desire to succeed and excel that will keep you going as you struggle along between auditions. And battle through rehearsal.
2007-03-22 15:40:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's very smart to achieve in other subjects, I also suggest in college you not only major in acting you have a second major..it never hurts to have something to fall back on. Good luck and hope to see you in the movies soon
2007-03-22 15:23:02 · answer #10 · answered by Kitikat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋