I'm not going to college in a couple of years but I'm going to become an actor is that really so bad?

Question

When my family was at dinner at my grandparents yesterday, my aunt asked me what college I wanted to go to and I said I wasn't going to college but I was moving to NY to try my chances on Broadway and everyone just looked at me like I was nuts and started talking about how hard it was and really making me mad. I mean if this is my dream then why shouldn't I go for it instead of wasting time in some college? It's doesn't seem right to me. Besides, I'm just in 11th grade so why is everyone getting so worked up now

Answer 1

Pursuing an acting career is not a reason to skip college. College gives you the chance to grow, learn, and mature. There are plenty of actresses, both past and present, who've graduated college. There's nothing wrong with trying to get on Broadway, if you go about it in a realistic way. When you're talking Broadway, you're talking about singing and acting and maybe even dancing. What are you going to present in your portfolio? What'll be on your video? What'll be on your transcript? Whatever you choose to do now days, high school is never enough.

The cost of living is extremely high in New York. Where are you going to live? How will you pay your rent and utilities? How will you support yourself? How will you finance an acting career? Getting a job as a waitress or clerk isn't gong to pay nearly enough for you to live on. Without any credentialing, marketable jobs skills, you'll always have low paying jobs. Everyone is getting worked up because the11th grade is when you should start making serious plans for post-high school education and your future. What they said to you may be something you don't want to hear, but they are telling you the truth.

You should at least attend a junior college or community college and major in theater or the performing arts. While in college pick a minor and electives that will give you computer skills and credits so you can get a decent paying job while pursuing your dreams. Do you have to go to New York? Why don't you try performing in local plays and concerts first. Try talking with the promoters and get someone to take you under their wings to help you along. But right, now the most important thing is your education and gaining knowledge.

Answer 2

Probably for just that reason, you're in 11th grade and stating a decision that severely limits your future possibilities in many ways. If you want to just act, and don't care about fame or recognition or anything, by all means live your dream, but as with many careers, many people choose them for the wrong reasons, and only discover that after. A great way to help mitigate the negative repercussions of that event is to go to college and major in theater or something along those lines. That way you can supplement your major with other college courses which will help you obtain a more lucrative position if/when you are struggling as an actor, while still advancing your training and understanding of the craft. It is possible to skip college and become an actor, but many many actors have other jobs, especially when they first begin, and having a degree to help support you prior to making it (if you ever do) will make your future that much more secure.

Answer 3

Pros: 1. Save your money for the move 2. Move to West Los Angeles since you want to be an actor 3. Try to get a job (descent paying job that is) 4. Visit California (during your breaks like you mentioned) 5. During your visits start networking with people Cons: 1.California has an high unemployment rate (even the highly educated and professionals are suffering) 2. Rent is high especially on the West side (nice or descent neighborhoods) 3. So many unemployed actors or actresses. 4. Studios are not hiring (its who you know not what you know)- I personally know people who work at the studios. Is how I know this. 5. Have a back up plan

Answer 4

If it were me i would go to college first because you need some thing to fall back on. You can go to college for the Arts. If this is your dream to go to Broadway and act you need all the schooling you can get. You have a wonderfull dream don't give up. Good Luck.

Answer 5

How are you going to support yourself while your "taking your chances" at broadway. New York is an expensive place to live. Unless you've got that figured out as well!