why are opportunites limited for asian actresses?

Question

is it because of their ethnicity? therefore not being able to play parts in movies such as histories of wars, family movies or anything that requires a group of certain people?
also, people say because of their english, its often hard to cast them as well.
i would love to be an actress. i am starring in our schools production and end of year concert as a supporting character. but i am asian, but i have very good english. however, i live in australia and cannot move to the usa. what can i do?

Answer 1

Opportinuties are limited for all minorities and even for those that cannot be catergorized like someone who is mixed. There are roles out there for everyone, they just may be few and far between. People who look like they are a certain race need to be able to portray that race with and without an accent. You also have to decide whether or not you are willing to portray a stereotype because that's often what will often be asked of you in a country other than that of your nationality.

Those of mixed heritage have a harder time in my opinion because they are difficult to classify. The phrase "you aren't asian enough" is something I've heard on several occasions. You just have to be good and get the right person who will give you an opportunity regardless of what you look like. Many actors lie. Not about credits, but nationality. If they think it will get them a role and they know the CD is looking for a certain background... I've heard some actors tell that CD that they are in fact of that heritage (full Chinese or half Korean or whatever it is they're looking for). Many people cannot tell the difference so they get away with it. I don't recommend that you do that, but I think if you look that part then why ask if you are that nationality?

Dialiects can be learned so if that's an issue for you, get a coach and perfect yours. If you are having a hard time getting cast, then bring this to the attention of the directors you are working with at school and ask them what you can do better. Perhaps they are not aware that you feel it's your ethnicity that's holding you back. Do not let that be an excuse though because it will stop you in more ways than one. Mentally it will really hold you back... Don't let it. Envision yourself in any role you want and go for it.

best of luck,
Marianne

Answer 2

The reason parts are limited for Asian actresses, in my opinion is the same reason why they are limited for other ethnic minorities. Directors often want to stay period specific and often don't want to 'mix' the roles meaning a lead man who is Caucasian, playing opposite a woman who is Asian, or African-American and such. It is a reality although it shouldn't discourage you. Talented people regardless of ethnicity will be noticed. Put yourself out there, be willing to work 100% harder, be proactive, never give up, and break down doors! Look at Ms. Lea Salonga, when I think of her I don't think "What a talented Asian woman" I think "Wow! What an amazing actress, and talented person! Simply amazing!" She is about to star in Les Mis on Broadway, if my memory serves me right I don't believe I recall any Asian woman in the original play, however, she was willing to knock those walls down.

Answer 3

If you live in Australia and can't move elsewhere, start acting in Australia. That seems self-evident enough.

There are still plenty of opportunities in acting for TALENTED people, even after taking into account appearance-based roles such as historical figures or family members. The lead female roles in "Diva" were black and Asian. And that's just the first movie that popped into my head.

Answer 4

once you assert 'Asian', I take it by way of fact the full Asian Continent, not purely the people from there who're, you comprehend, Oriental. Asia is the largets continent people, with many cultures, not purely noodle people! the main well-liked Asian chick is Aishwara(Spelling) Ray palms down. I dont comprehend approximately adult males nonetheless, yet I laughed while they pronounced Jackie Chan, even Jet Lee, lol.