What do I do now??

Question

Hi.

I'm 13 and absolutly love acting. It's my passion; my dream. I know it seems like "oh, she's so young. She'll probably change her mind when she's older" but that's not true. I know for sure that this is what I want to do.
I have been in several plays and taken multiple classes on theatre, improv and film acting (and making.) I don't want to sound all conceded and cocky by saying "oh I'm so good" but people have told me I'm talented.
I really want to step it up a bit, move on to bigger things, not that I don't love acting in the local theatre. I just want to get more experience and have more of a challenge. The problem is, my parents don't agree. They say that I can consider a serious acting carreer when I finish college. They don't understand my love for acting. They think it is more of a hobby.
I really want to work larger films. Not for the fame. I don't want to be one of those shallow, hollywood wannabes. I just want to act...to do what I love. Any advice??

Answer 1

It sounds like you're on the right track! As far as stepping it up, you don't mention where you live, but assuming it's one of the smaller markets (ie. not LA or NYC), you really don't need to spend a lot of money as a kid to be able to do some local commercials or print spots.
Granted, being in a smaller market, you're not going to have the opportunity to audition for tv shows or films, but all that can wait until you're older anyways.
Check out local agencies in your area. Make sure they're actual agencies and not places like John Robert Powers where they just want you to take their classes. Most of these places will accept snapshots for children initially, but will want you to get professional headshots at some point.
This is where your parents come in. You say they think acting is more than a hobby right now. Well, there's nothing more a parent loves than to see their child take some initiative. You can't just go to them and ask them to pay for headshots and a bunch of stuff you don't need yet with nothing to back it up (sorry, people telling you you're talented isn't enough. Remember first and foremost, this is a business.) So, check out these agencies and see what their submission procedures are. Some places will have open calls every month or so for new talent, others you can just call up and make an appointment and other take mailed submissions only.
Realize though, that being in a smaller market isn't going to give you huge opportunities in the film/tv field, so spending your time pursuing these local spots may not be the best use of it.
Are there professional theatres in you area? Check those out and see if their doing any productions that need children. Do you sing? If you have a local opera company, they may use a children's chorus so check that out too. As far as getting some film experience, look at your local college/university. If they have a film department, garaunteed there are some film students there (look for the masters candidates, not undergrad) who are working on their thesis films. Some of them may need kids. Thesis films can be a great expereince and many students do end up submitting them to festivals, so you can possibly get some exposure.
For right now though, if you really do love to act, just continue doing it. Really look for roles that will challenge you and stretch you as an actor (are any local companies doing The Miracle Worker??), so when you do turn 18 and are free to go for it more fully, you are already ahead of the game.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Sorry, but TheatreDoc is right. Without your parents there is literally nothing you can do. Unless you can sway them to your side you are out of luck. You have no transportation (getting to meetings, auditions, rehearsals, jobs, etc.), you have no money (headshots, resumes, classes, etc.), no one to sign contracts (you cannot sign anything until you're 18), no sey chaperone (again you need a parent until you're 18), you can't even touch any money you make until your 18 unless they say so... get the picture?

The only thing you can do is try to strike a bargain with them. School has just started. Ask them if you can keep your grades and chores up to their specific standards, will they let you give it a try? Everything will stop if your grades slip and you can't moan about it. Show them that you can and will be mature and responsible and maybe they'll show you the respect that you want. You have to earn it.

You can also tell them that acting can help you in many aspects of life. If you do change your mind and you want to be a lawyer, what better training than acting? Public speaking, lying...? j/k but you get my meaning? Doctors as well have to put on a brave face when giving bad news to patients. Acting is good training for that. You're a teen ager. Think of ways to twist this around to your advantage.

good luck!

Answer 3

Listen to your parents. I know, I know, that this is not what you want to hear, BUT, with life experience, you can become a better actor.

Learn. Grow. Use your experiences. Do Community Theatre. It may be the best training you will ever have. If you can, at age 13, tell the story of your last Wet Paint Show ( a show that was so rushed that the paint on the set was not dry), and laugh about it, you are well on your way to Pro status.

Acting is feeling. Feel more. And feel more often.

Your parents want to protect you from deprivation, and do not want you to suffer. Bravo, parents. They love you.

Acting is suffering. Learn a trade instead.

Tell M&D that Cider expects a shoutout at your Oscar speech

Answer 4

You are plain out of luck without your parents, because you cannot work professionally without their consent. I am sure that community theatre and high school will be a big step up for you, and as far as being talented is concerned, the whole world is talented at acting, it is an inborn human trait.

Answer 5

Who are you kidding?

"I don't want to be one of those shallow, hollywood wannabes. I just want to act..."

We all wanna be one of those people...you should just listen to your parents' wise and valuable advice and wait until you are done with college. Then if you still want to be an actor, all power to you!

Many kids take up acting and end up quiting the business out of frustration because they are too young to deal with all the headache and strife that goes along with the hollywood fast life. Your parents are making a lot of sense.

Answer 6

Good for you! You have found what you love to do.Wonderful! My advice to you is to work your way up.Plays,commercial,low budget films,student films,etc.Keep your ears and eyes open for auditions.Radio,newspaper,telelvision,etc.Listen and watch for auditions.BUT BE CAUTIOUS!! There are tons on scammers out there.If they ask for money up front.SCAM!! SCAM! SCAM! Run for the hills!!

If it is meant to be,it will happen.Be patient. And always try new ways to improve. Good luck! :)