Advice on becoming an actress in musicals?

Question

I'm sixteen, and I love singing and acting, and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to pursue musical theatre as a career in my future? Don't worry, I'm not under any delusions that it'll be easy, and I'm prepared to work really hard. =)

I've been taking singing lessons for three years, and recently achieved Grade 5 and I'm preparing for Grade 6. I'm about to start A Level courses in both music and drama. Can anyone tell me any other things I can do which'll help me follow my dream? Thanks in advance! x

Answer 1

Train. Get professional training at a performing arts college once you've done your A-levels, in fact audition for them while you're doing them. If you get in during your AS year they'll probably let you defer entry until you've done your exams. Most offer scholarships for exceptional students who cannot afford the fees.

If you have one locally, take dance classes at one of these colleges after school or on Saturdays. Even if not, learn to dance - even if you have no intention of playing majorly dancing roles, being able to fake it is a huge plus.

Here's a list to google...

Mountview

Performer's College

Urdang

Millenium Dance 2000

Stella Mann College

Guildford Conservatoire(GSA)

Laine Theatre Arts

Arts Educational

Bird College

Liverpool Institution for the Performing Arts

I'm sure you'll find more. Audition for loads of them, competition is fierce.

Answer 2

Nice to see someone who writes properly and who doesn't think that fame will fall straight into their lap, unlike every second questioner on this board :)  My advice is to keep doing what you're doing, as it's a great start, but also get involved with community and school theatre (do as many productions as you can) and take dance classes as being a triple-threat will help you in your career.  Once you finish school, start auditioning for drama schools (there are lots of good ones in England (I'm assuming you're from there as you mention A-levels!) - have a look at www.drama.ac.uk for info on different schools.  If you don't get in at first don't get discouraged, as thousands of people audition for not many places; keep working at it and it will happen for you.  Break a leg!

Answer 3

There are a number of websites where you can register and create a profile outlining your skills and experience, upload your headshot and be listed in a directory. Casting directors use these kind of websites to look for new talent to cast in their productions.

Some of these websites also post upcoming casting calls and auditions for projects. FilmExtras does both of these...

Answer 4

Well i may not be the best person to answer this but i do work in that industry. I'm a freelance scenic carpenter/prop maker/scenic technician. I have worked in TV/Film and theatre. I always wanted to work in the entrainment industry, and i've worked my way up from an amateur to a professional. it has taken many years and a lot of hard work. the few pieces of advice i can give you is.

Work hard, it wont be easy

Make contacts, start networking with people get your name known

and

Be prepared that it might not work out. I have many many acting friends (qualified proffesionals) who are all following the same dream as you.. But during the day they work in a bar...

Answer 5

Keep up with the training. And find a community theater near by. Audition. Get the process down. Keep trying. You really seem to have your head on your shoulders. If there isn't any in your town find a city close by. My little town has a one so they are around. There are always ads in the paper when there are auditions. Have a list of songs that really promote your voice. And get a list of monologues. They have tons of books filled with all types. Memorize a few of them. It will be easier once you get your foot on stage and are around people with the same goals as you.  If you want more education. Join an in prov group.