Broadway dream?

Question

I have always dreamed of being on broadway. Is this an unrealisitc dream? I know it's a lot of hard work and can be discouraging, but when i'm on the stage, I feel that I belong. If you have any advice on making it onto broadway...or if i should chose a different path, please let me know. Take into consideration that I am only going to be a freshman in high school aswell. I would love your input, especially if you have theater experience! Thanks a bunch!

I am planning to go tocollege before broadway because i would also luv to be a music teacher. i value my education.

i actually am the most interested in singing...although i do love to act.

thank you to everyone. I appreciate ur honesty and advice.

Answer 1

Are you in New York already? It's never too early to audition. I'll give you both arguments:

1. So you want to be on Broadway? Stand in line (literally)
2. You can do anything if you believe and do the work.

Nothing is impossible but it's always good to have an education and a back-up plan. So get your education and then if you aren't already in New York move there. Be prepared to shell out a lot of money however. The rent alone could leave you broke so if you like to live with several people in a one bedroom apt. then go for it. New York is so darn cool that it can be worth it.

If you don't go then you will always wonder what if you had? I chose Los Angeles because of the weather and the cheaper apartments. I did everything from extra work on television and movies to stand-up comedy but as I approached my 39th birthday I realized that my dream of being famous was dwindling quickly. I went back to college to get my Master's and am now a teacher. Do I regret my past? NO! I would do it all over again, only better. I love teaching but you know what they say, "Those who can, do, those who can't teach." As much as that burns you have to think in terms of statistics. There are many young people like yourself who want to be famous or on Broadway and many of them perform in at least one play or at least live the cool life of an actor.

My advice: Go for it! Learn how to type to keep the wolf from the door, because waiting tables is hard work and may harm your back...take some dance classes as well. Good luck!

Answer 2

If your dream is ONLY to make it on Broadway, then it is a tad unrealistic. Broadway is a specific theater scene and considered the pinnacle of it's field in American Theater. You will need luck, talent, and incredible amounts of hard work (I would suggest reading a few biographies of people in the theater industry to get an idea of what it's going to take). Many thousands of people each year go to New York looking for their big break and almost all of them do not make it. I don't want to be too harsh because you're young, but I also want to give you a realistic idea of the overall chances.

If it is simply theater that you love, then by all means do theater. There are local, regional and national companies that aren't necessarily Broadway, yet are professionally and artistically fulfilling. If it's the stage you love there are lots of ways to be on the stage.

I know this sounds harsh and like I'm suggesting a pale imitation of your dream. The facts show that there are millions of people working in theater in the U.S. and only a small percentage of those are Broadway performers (and a much smaller percentage are the big names).

I really don't want to crush your idealism, the facts are rough but it's better to be prepared. Keep doing theater, keep performing. Always do things you love even if it isn't going to be your profession. And if you're just an actor take every acting class you can find. If you're a musical actor take every dance, singing and acting class you can find. Do Summer Theater programs. Get involved in local theater now. Prepare. And break a leg.

Answer 3

A lot of people shy away from industries like broad way, or in my case animation because everybody thinks it's so out of reach. If you think about it though, somebody has to do it. If you are willing to put in the hard work, and have a good foundation of skills then you can succeed.
I suggest you go to your music teacher or vocal coach and sing for them. Ask them if they think you have the type of voice it takes.
Take as many dance classes and singing lessons as you can and find people who will give you honest criticism. There might be some on line groups comprised of people who work in broadway, or are studying theater, maybe they can give you some more help as well.

Answer 4

Cant say I agree with all your previous advice, for example if you have a back up plan, you will do that instead of act because it is easier. Better if all you can do is act. Broadway is but a vey narrow part of live acting, which I take it is you dream. There are touring shows, regional theatres, dinner theatres, etc, for live acting. And there are many more jobs in film and commercials than in live theatre. Do both is what most actors do. I have written a book of advice on making it as an actor which I am giving away free. Click on my name, read my profile and contact me at my aol address for more info.

Answer 5

wow. i really dont see why people keep asking these questions. there is NO reason what so ever to give up your dreams, no matter what they are. i know that feeling you get on stage, i feel the same way, and there is no reason why you cant dream of being on bway!! you have your whole life ahead of you, and its wayyyy to early to give up!! it does take alot of hard work though, but just have fun with it!!