How to tell parents I want to pursue a carrer in acting/music while still at a young age?

Question

I've had many people tell me I have a great voice for singing(I would usually think I'm alone), and I LOVE acting in school activities. My Parent want me to have a jod where I use my brain (have a 4.0 and get grounded if I get a B), not my looks,etc. But I've ALWAYS wanted to do this. I want to live my dream, not my parent's dream for me.Anyways, I saved up money so I can buy tickets to travel to places to audition. I'm 13 and need help. God Bless,

-Sierra Nicole

It was kinda like a High School Musical Moment, but Ithough everyone left, I got up on the stage and sang "Make Some Noise" by Hannah Montana. She came back and told me to come by her room later, and when I did, I got the part of the play. She is the Music teacher.

Answer 1

Do both! Get your grades in school, then sign up for a drama club as an extra. Being in a drama club always looks good on a college application, so you could always approach it from that direction.

You're 13 right now, so take this time to get your training and research everything you can bout the business that is acting. Don't worry about trying to get on TV or film. When you're 18 you can decide then if this is really what you want to persue or if it was just a passing fancy. Lots of people will tell you that you are good, and you may be. But when you decide to do this as a profession, you're best, in all likelyhood, will not be good enough.

Whereas if you have a good soild five years of training under you and some theatre credits to start with, you'll find yourself miles ahead of the hundreds of other people who get off the bus everyday in LA and decide that they want to call themselves an actor.

Dreams are great things, but to make it happen you have to do more than dream. You have to start making it happen. Learn what you can, practice the craft, get your experience, and when it's time then you can make the decision.

Answer 2

Congratulations on knowing what your dream is at such an early age! Of course you've heard the arguments against pursuing a performing arts career. The odds are definitely stacked against even very talented candidates. Your parents are very likely quite concerned about this. So, you need to show them that you have a "plan B" in the event that your dream of a career in the arts doesn't take off. You might indicate that you plan to back up your acting efforts with studies in a related field with better career prospects. Try NOT to appear as an impulsive teen with only a dream. This will at least give a better context to the conversation.

Answer 3

Would it be brainwashing if the parents specifically raised their daughter to become a high powered buisness women? From what you have said it is as if being a housewife is a bad thing, almost comparable to life long house arrest. Some women like taking care of the home and children. I'm sure some men would do the same if they were sure they wouldn't get nasty comments about it; as if they aren't a real man. Edit: About 90% of my high school teachers said I would amount to nothing and become a drug user, partly because of the town I live in. I'm now doing a BA degree at the only university in the world who currently teach my combined English and proffesional writing course. Negative comments often work the other way and brainwashing doesn't always work.

Answer 4

Well, it is possible to get a good eduction in the public schools and in college and still be an actor. I was an elementary ed major when I got into acting. It was tough keeping up with my classes sometimes but I graduated with decent grades and I have done a lot of theater since, both community and professional. I also think your parents need to know that if you are an actor you are definitely using your brain. To be an actor takes a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of research and a lot of thought. I wish you the best.

Answer 5

Why bother? Just keep performing and if you are good, people will tell your folks, then when you are 15 and have had many good reports on your acting and singing, tell them you want to go to Julliard, your grades will qualify and an audition will tell if your talent qualifies. There is no better school than Julliard. If they are not impreesssed with your ability by then, maybe there will be another way

Answer 6

Well I would encourage you to persue theater just to see how well you would do and how much you enjoy it. As for the music part: If you have been told by someone who does not have any experiance in music then they are proably mistaken. You need to sing from your diafrahm and your pitch must be correct, you will not be asked to attend a call back if you do not have those things correct. Please remember if you aren't good enough they will not offer you private training.

Answer 7

I think if your dream is to be an actress and singer and you're really good, you should persue it! Just somehow have a family meeting. And say to your parents, "Mom, dad, I'm really good at singing and acting and I LOVE it! I know you want me to go off and be a _____ but I think I want to be an actress and singer. Those are my dreams" or something like that! good luck!!!!

Answer 8

I know this might sound bad, but I think you should Trick them. lol! Tell them that acting and singing are "a hobby" that you want to pursue But say that you will get a "real" job and go to university and everything when you get older. Then, by the time university comes, you will be well on your way to being an actor/singer, and thay won't care so much anymore!

Answer 9

try to do both, get grades, and do what you love. you need to commit youself to your goals. hopefully your parents will see your devotion and give you there blessing. thids wont just be a tell them and thats the hardest part situation.

Answer 10

well when i told my parents i just cam out and said it and they understood ........ but all peoples parents are diffrence im 14 and im followinng my dream pleze follow your dream and if you have to try to give hints to your parents and one day say mom im really good at acting i like it i mean mom i should really think about getting a carer in it ..........im sry if i didnt help but im tying thank you for reading this thanks bye.............