Going to college to study art but still want to act...help?

Question

I'm going to Cornell U this fall as an incoming freshman, where I will be studying art. I have always had a passion for acting and an ardent desire to pursue it, but I know that I would have a better chance at a solid career with my art.

I am hoping to move back out to L.A. after school and do something with art in the movie industry...I'm still unsure of those details :)

If I'm working in art, will it be too hard to still try to audition?

This is mainly a question for those of you who work in the entertainment industry but not primarily as an actor.

Thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

Hi Nellie

I'll cut straight to the chase. If you let anything distract you from acting, or get in the way of pursuing your acting career it means that acting isn't for you.

It's so tough to make it even with talent, drive, perserverance and 100% commitment.Acting is for those with a burning passion, is it yours? Being an artist is another creative expression, maybe that's your true calling.

I quote the wise words of Don Cheadle

"If you can do anything else and be trully happy, do that!"

Answer 2

I can't see any issues for you other than the time and money to stack classes, and Theater, etc. need not be a Major.

   I attended NYU for 6 years, getting multiple degrees.

  I entered for Journalism and Art History as my first two majors, then added theater technology, as a minor. I also was involved in Psych, Philosophy, and Theology majors, but my passions are in the Arts.

   Beyond acting, I know as much as I can about Production, and Set construction methods, Have worked as a Scenic Painter, etc.

   I suspect for you, or any of us, it just means having or making the time to pursue multiple, but somewhat related fields. Certainly education, in a general sense is not a bad thing.

Just my 2 "scents"