Is it too late for me to start acting?

Question

I'm 16 years old and I've recently become interesting in acting. However I'm worried that it's too late for me to start. I don't do Drama at my school and I've never attended a drama class outside of school. Many drama schools (e.g. stagecoach) accept students up to 16 and the classes for older students appear to be for more advanced students. So is it too late for me to begin drama classes (as I have no experience) and maybe continue it as a career option?

Answer 1

The first thing you need to do is try it, Try hook up with a local youth theatre that actively stages a performance or production. This will give you the experience of being on stage and working with a character with a piece of text. Try and avoid drama classes that dont lead towards a performance as you wont get to see the real buzz without an audience check national association of youth theatres www.nayt.org.

If this is something you want to do ater that, try a foundation year at a local college - you are at the right age and with your whole life ahead of you.

Think that your lack of experience be a disadvantage this is probably the biggest thing you need to remember. Acting requires an ability to draw on lifes resources if all youve done from age 6 is drama - its not going to be the most interesting of characters - who cares if she can tap dance, audiences are interested in reality and lots of it. Enjoy your experience

Answer 2

It's never too late to get started. There are some "tweener" ages that it gets hard to find audition opportunities without experience, and unfortunately you're in one. But that doesn't mean you need to give up hope. Drama schools are a major commitment, and you would do better to avoid even trying to get into one until you get more experience. This isn't a knock on your talent: It's just that if you're getting started in anything you need to make sure how much you REALLY like it before committing yourself to something like that.

If you cannot find an acting coach or summer course, I really suggest working on tech crew for your high school drama performances, or better yet, a community theatre group. Yes, I know it's not acting. BUT, you'll get to know the ins and outs of a production, and you'll get to know the actors involved. Then you can audition next time and they'll know you! Meeting people is the best way to gain experience.

Finally, start acting!! I know, sounds like a smart-alec answer, right? Well, guess what: Decide to make a summer film. Do a remake of a movie you like, or a play you've read. And film it with your friends. I know this sounds basic, but as you read about how to make a film, you'll start to feel more confident about the project. And when the project is done, you've got yourself some experience acting. hopefully, along the way you will learn how to make some contacts, and you can talk up the "project" you're working on. So what if it's filmed in your backyard? You have to start somewhere, and sometimes that's the best place to start.

Answer 3

Sweetie, many people start after they retire!!!! Can you imagine they're reaction at you thinking you're too old??? LOL! I don't know what stagecoach is, but I've never heard of an age limit like that. Perhaps it's just that particular program and maybe you could volunteer to help them this summer while you learn a thing or two! Get involved at school starting this summer or next school year, try local theatres, there are always opportunities around. If there's not a part for you in the production, volunteer to work crew, they'll LOVE you for it and you'll learn a lot just by hanging around.

For auditions you can go to backstage.com or http://www.actorsequity.org/castingcall/... If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying (just find the theatre's own site and look for audition info).

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hello! It is never too late to become an actor. Sixteen is a good age to start,because your beginning to mature. Better than all the acting and drama classes you could take; would be to join your local Repertory or Musical Comedy group. I started out like that in London where I used to live. I eventually joined a professional rep company. No pay,but board and lodgings. Acting is very hard work.There are long hours of rehearsal. If you haven't got a speaking part it can get very monotonous.But you will learn stagecraft.Why not check out your local play groups and ask? Acting of course can lead to all sorts of exciting prospects. Movies and such. Good Luck!

Answer 5

You're never too old to start- people of all ages are needed.
Research acting instructors in your area. Read as much as you can about the buisness side of acting & the craft itself. Some helpful books are Uta Hagen- Respect for acting, Act Now- Peter Jazwinski, & Acting for Dummies (covers basics quickly)

.Once you get some training you will need to get a professional headshot & an acting resume' that lists your acting experience. You will then be ready to seek representation by an agant. Do not pay an agency to represent you! Many untrustworthy agencies demand money for their "extra services" or for representation. Do not fall for this. Seek classes, headshots, etc. independently, not through an agency. Never pay for representation as this is not how it works- they make money (10-15%) off of the pay for productions you are cast in.

Also, check with your local film commission- they will often have a # you can call to listen to upcomming auditions, extra work & production info.
Good luck & never say never!

Answer 6

There are differernt schools all over the city that teach a variety of activities from drama to dance and music tuition. Look inside the yellow pages .Local theatres also have acting classes that anyone can join for acting experience. I studied film and television at tafe for 1 year at the age of 16 and I loved it .It dosnt matter how old you are , but how much skill /experience you have will depend on your grade/ level within that area of work.

Answer 7

It is the right time.You can start acting in school dramas and youth clubs or organisations.But if you want to take acting as your career,you have to take an aptitude test.You can join some School for drama or Film institute.Another way to get in to the field is through modelling and TV anchoring.Succesful models and TV personnel get offers from film producers.But making money out of acting depends on luck.You have to make a lot of efforts.Nothing is easy in this world.If nothing works out start yourself a small drama troup.

Answer 8

No, 16 is not too old! Maybe if you were 35, it would be a challenge to start an acting career from scratch. You are at a good age to begin.

Answer 9

Never too late. As long as you burn to do something, you will succeed. You just have to believe in it. It doesn't matter if you're unskilled, old, young or whatever. You just have to believe that you will achieve what it is you want to achieve. 16 is a young age. A good age to start on the road you want to travel, but there can't be a cross-roads. Blinker yourself. If you're passionate enough, you'll make it happen. The skills and experience come later. Make that mental transition and tell yourself I will ... I will ...

"Whether you think you can or can't, you're probably right!" - Henry Ford.

Answer 10

Absolutely not! If you want to get a little experience before you "take the plunge" find a local Amateur Dramatic Society and get some stage time under your belt - I'm currently President of our town's Am Dram group and we're crying out for youngsters!
I must warn you, though - if you want to follow acting as a career it is fiercely competitive and you have to work extremely hard even if you're one of the lucky ones who've got natural talent.
Go for it! And good luck.