Actress at 16 without help--advice?

Question

I'm a 16 year old girl that can't get help from my parents (both too involved with their work). And my older brother doesn't want anything to do with me. The only resources I have that could be good on a resume are school performances, and I've only been in a few. And if I want to look at acting schools, I can only search online--but mother says that every website that I go to is scamming me. What do I do?

Answer 1

Unless you can get yourself around to auditions, you'll have to wait for bigger better opportunities. School stuff is a good start, but look to move up. Community & Regional theatre, student films, but of course you have to have your parents permission and support.

These websites are not scams at all. You can find auditions on actorsaccess.com. Setting up an account is free, but you will have to pay to submit yourself for auditions unless you subscribe to Showfax. If you live in LA or NY or anywhere else where you do a search and see a lot of auditions for yourself then it may be worth it, but otherwise don't bother. You can just do the free account and pay to submit when things come up.

You can also see if your state has a film alliance (some states have several!). Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. Just do a search for the name of your state and film alliance or film society and see what comes up.

For theatre, 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. You can also find other types of auditions on backstage like student films, some tv and film projects etc. Just do the search, you'll see what I mean. If you do not live in a major filming hub then you won't find much so you'll see that it won't be worth it to subscribe.

Unfortunately your mom may or may not believe me that these sites are legit, but they really are. Backstage is industry standard especially in LA and NY. ActorsAccess is a branch of Breakdown Services which is the listing that talent agents in Hollywood get every morning to see what auditions are coming up for their clients. Breakdown Services has way more auditions and for better projects, but you have to have an agent (or a friend who works for one :-) ) to get that information but anyway, ActorsAccess is absolutely legitimate. Obviously Equity is legit, it's the theatre actor's union.

If you or your mom need more info or further explanation, email me.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You need professional acting credits, if you want to be an actor. Audition for every production at your school. You can't do anything until you are older.

Spend your time reading scripts (go to the Public Library, in your city and check out plays that interest you.)

When I was your age I orderd 10 or 12 plays a week, from the publisher of the plays. I read the plays many times.
I imagained myself onstage, and as the ,main character.
I saw the plays, "in my head." The plays became my "best friend," the plays were always there, ready for me to pick it up.

When I was ready to become a workind acotor, I was excited, because I was in a real play, and my "fantasy world of plays, helped me become a strong performer.

Answer 3

Try getting involved with comunity theatre. They have so much to offer and not just acting. I got involved when I was 14. They gave me a scollership to attend theatre school for directing. I learned how to stage manege, lighting, sound, produce and eventualy worked my way up to Ast. theatre maneger and serve on the board of directors. If you believe in your self anything is possible. My parents could not afford to send me to theatre school so this is the route I took. I am now a professional actor and magician.

With regards to the schools scamming you, they are expensive. Take drama in school, buy books at the book store or start a drama club with the students at the school.

All the best.

Answer 4

The best way to become an actress is to become recognized first. Now this isn't 100% way to become an actress ... more like 60%, but the acting buisness is cuttthroat, only the top 2% ever make it to the big leauges. First get your self recognized, best way to do that is join a modeling agency. Toospoiled.com .... thats where my brother works. Good luck .... Break a leg.

Answer 5

start at the bottom and work your way up! my sister knew people who knew people that enabled her to act small parts in movies, music videos, etc. the easiest way is to get yourself known i.e. getting an agent, going to a lot of auditions, and DO NOT waste money on an acting school that promises to get you a job. agents are free (they get a cut of your paycheck, their not supposed to charge up front) and can get your talent, looks, name out there.. remember DOn't quIT!

Answer 6

Get an agent...then when you get the work audition and if you're good they'll pick you and tell you 'rents, maybe they'll believe/support you after...or like that guy said work your way up..dont give up though...thats what your 'rents want.