How do I break into the acting business?

Question

I'm 14, and I live in Singapore right now.

I've been performing and acting in all these small school productions, but I want to hit it big time, you know?

I don't even know where to start. Do I have to get an agent?

I'm even willing to relocate to Los Angeles or New York if it means that I'll have a higher chance of getting discovered there.

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Answer 1

It is better if you become a known actor where you  are and let the US industry come after you.  To start be in all the community and school theatre you can.  There is no call for 14 year old actors in the US.  You don't start with an agent, you wind up with one when you are enough of an actor that one is interested in you. There is almost no chance of making it in LA OR NYC, too many would be actors already there.  I think you have to have a green card or be a citizen to work in the US acting industry.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you join a local amateur dramatics company in your local area. This would provide you with some experience of performing on stage and in front of an audience.

You need to think about getting an agent once you have secured a part in either a large scale production (Broadway) or on television/radio/film.

You can look around for auditions to test the water as it is always possible that you are the person that is being sought.

At this stage I think that it is best to make the most of the opportunities available to you in your local area rather than relocate.