How would I look for a job in acting? I'm 14.?

Question

I'm 14, and I really want to consider a career in acting. How would I get started on this, who should I talk to? I live in Cleveland, Ohio, and I don't think I'm a bad actress, I went to a gifted school from 3-6th grade where every so often, we'd do improv classes, and everyone usually really liked what I did, so I don't think I'm bad.

Thanks a lot for all answers. =]

Oh, and, I'm really into horror movies, which I hope to work in when I get older, even now (I was REALLY inspired by the Saw movies, I'm obsessed with every detail of them), I just don't know how to get started.

Another thing is, well, I love acting and stuff, but I'm sorta different. Like, I don't dress normal, some would label "goth" or "punk", which I hate. And, I /hate/ musicals, I mean, I love acting so I'd do them if I have to, but I prefer plays that are more in depth. I go to a school that's strictly education based, so we have no extra curricular activities. Next year, I'm trying to get a job to save up $3000 dollars to go to a school for the arts, but nobody really wants to hire a 14 year old.

Thanks for all the advice. =]

Answer 1

Let me offer you a good shot of hard reality--you have almost no chance of getting into any meaningful audition anytime soon, and even if you do you probably won't get a part. However, you certainly CAN start to build an acting career.

Let me explain; when a director wants to cast for a role that a 16 year old could play, the audition will fill up with dozens who can play a 16 year old. The director will, 99.9999% of the time, choose either someone who's acted in professional shows since age 6 or so (experience) or an 18-year-old who's able to look 16 (no child labor laws).

So here's what to do to make up for your lack of credentials:

Right now, polish your skills. Take acting workshops (look in summer at community centers or colleges), voice lessons, dance classes.

Get involved in every play you can. Your HS shows are fine, also do community theatre (ask at a local library or call your newspaper's entertainment desk if you don't know all the community companies) and also call local college theatre departments and ask if they are auditioning for any roles you could play. If there are no roles, volunteer to work backstage.

This does two things; it builds your resume, and it gives you a network of contacts in theatre.

Now, you and your school counselor and your network of contacts need to start looking for a college. You want to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree (BFA) in theatre performance--do not settle for just a bachelor of arts (BA) degree.

Early in your senior year, apply to four or five colleges/universities: one or two that you think will be a real stretch to get into (could be the very tip-top programs, like Yale or Maryland)--one or two that are choosy but not so much and you'll probably be admitted (let's see, in Ohio: Wright State is probably best, or Bowling Green or Miami or Indiana U or Northern KY) and one that will accept almost anybody (that's your "safety" school). You apply early because (a) it beats the deadlines for some financial aid (b) AFTER the university admits you as a student, you have to apply again, this time to the department for admission as a theatre major. You'll probably have to audition for them (travel there at your own expense) and letters of reference from some of your network of contacts will be helpful, no doubt.

Finish the BFA program successfully, and you'll know what should be your next steps in the long, hard slog toward building a professional acting career.

One warning: do NOT fall for any "agent" who offers to kick-start your career for a fee. The only thing they kick-start is your money going into their bank account. After your BFA, you'll know how to earn membership in one of the unions (Equity, SAG, AFTRA), and only after you have union card in hand will a legitimate agent consider representing you.

Answer 2

Hello, If you like to actually get anywhere you need to start out by getting an agent. They will provide you with all the information you need for auditions etc.. Your agent will find roles to your ability that you could possibly get. A lot of actors/actresses start out in tv commercials and plays or indie films. I'm not sure where ou live but you shouldn't have too much trouble finding auditions and agents. One thing you need to know is that an agent will take commision, you don't pay the agent until you get a role (at least thats how it used to work). I'm not sure what else to write but you should think about getting an agent. Good Luck.

Answer 3

No body wants to hire a 14 yr old kook, either. You are going to have to grow up and get with the program if you want to play with the big boys. Look, everything in the Saw movies is special effects and it takes little acting to look effective when the computers and art directors and film editors are doing all the work. First, you are going to have to have your parents' consent to become an actor. You can't do anything like that without them until you are 18. And you have to have some experience really acting, so you should get into drama class and all the plays at school. If you can't get cast in the school plays, who would cast you in a film? You may not be bad, but you may be awful. Only experience in plays will tell. Good Luck, Doc

Answer 4

Hi,

I have answered this question a lot. We all have. So much so, that I have put together a 36-page ebook that you can download from my website for new actors and for aspiring actors. The ebook is called How To Start An Acting Career. Just go to the link below and sign in. You will be given access.
It will take you through some necessary steps, especially if you want to take it seriously.

You can also navigate my site. There are over 80 pages altogether of different aspects of an acting career that I'm sure you will find helpful.

Good luck!

Tony
ceo
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com

Answer 5

Im 15 and im trying to get a career in acting too!
Well i think youll need to take acting classes in your school, thats what im doing
Maybe talk to your teacher, tell him that you rly want to be an ctress and maybe he/she will help you find places to audition outside of school
I think if you audition for something then you'll get noticed by other directors and they might call you to ask if you would liek to audition ( im not sure if thats how it works)
And then from there your an actress!!:D
Im trying to do the same thing so im not realy sure if what i told you is how it goes at all
But good luck!:D

Answer 6

I would start out with taking some acting classes. And with that try to audition for some plays. Get some training under your belt so you can build your actors resume. Since you're under age, talk to your parents about getting pictures done because they're very expensive. Also talk to your parents about your dream. You won't be able to get far without their consent.
Have them research talent agencies in your area and ask them to help you to also make cover letters. You're going to need all 4 of these to get you started.
Recap: Classes, parents consent and help with 8x10 pictures(actors standard size. Nothing smaller). Actor's resume, and cover letters.
Oh, and 5, money for 8x10 envelopes and stamps.

Answer 7

i was just like you at your age. go to community theater. build up that resum beacause occasional imporve in class really doesnt count. go audition for community theaters & they have auditions posted at colleges and in newspaper do. dont spend a whole lot of money right now. some colleges offer summer acting class or soemthing like that. you can learnt something that way. and they have books on acting. if you really want to do this, do your research. but mainly build the resume with high school & maybe middle school drama plays, community theater, church plays, etc......

Answer 8

Enroll in acting classes. Take acting classes for several years before you go on auditions, to make sure you are prepared to compete with other actors.

You will hear about acting auditions from other students and your acting teacher.

Answer 9

First of all, if your really serious, you would need to get pictures done ("headshots") and send them around to agents. Also, get some training in.

Answer 10

For Acting, I would recommend

http://www.hollywoodnorth.com