Should I become an actor?

Question

I've been in speech arts and acting since i was very small. I love it.

My family, counselors, teachers and recommend becoming, lawyer, dentist, or really, anything that is more certain, less based on chance or a "big break".

I'm pretty good looking, and often people mention that I look like a model, or should be modeling, so my looks shouldn't be a problem. How can I test out whether I have the chops, or if i should have a back up of being a dentist/lawyer/ditch digger?

Answer 1

if you truly want to be an actor maybe try finding audtions near your home or joined a casting at a theatre and if you are going to audition make sure you always have someone with you cuz there are crazyies out there that pretend to be someone big like a casting director but turns out they are just a rapist/ serial killer there have been real stories of it too anyway! lol i think you should get a education 1st and do acting on the side that way if acting doesnt go well you have a back up you dont want to be a 26 year old trying "to make it" and have nothing to back it up...and if u do "make it" then you will be an intelligent actor =) which is always a plus...and if you dont then at least you wont be 30 years old and having a lame job b.c u didnt go to school and didnt make it as an actor...anyway good luck with what you decide...there have been so many actors that graduated from college and then went to hollywood or did it at the same time...like natalie portman and julia stiles

Answer 2

Well, let's face it, in the entertainment industry it is all about the "big break." But you can do plenty more in the mean time - local productions, extra roles on TV and in movies, and other things like that which can build up your resume. Try to take some professional acting classes if you can as well; those can really help.

It is good to have a back up plan in case acting doesn't work out, but I don't think things like dentist or lawyer are good as back ups, because they take so much time to study for. Try to aim for something a little bit smaller, like a writer, or something else that still allows you to express your creativity.

But do not let others pressure you into becoming what they want you to be. It never ends well. (If you haven't seen it, I recommend watching the movie "Dead Poet's Society" so you can see exactly what I'm talking about here.)

Whatever you decide, I wish you best of luck. (Or break a leg, depending.)

Answer 3

Are there any plays who need actors at school?Are there any local community plays who need actors?Try that,it should help you find out what you want to do.

Also,looks aren't everything.It is personality that counts.Directors would rather work with people who know what they are doing and are confident in their work.

But all in all,I think you would do fine as an actor.There is nothing to be afraid of,the stage is fun and you will be the center of attention..think of it that way.

Answer 4

Acting IS an uncertain career, so it's good to get another string to your bow.

Having said that, if everyone didn't try, we wouldn't have any entertainers.

You find out if you have the chops in two ways: Audition, Audition, Audition and Perform, Perform, Perform.

If you get parts and applause then you are doing something right.  But just because do don't get a part, doesn't mean you are no good, it just means you are not right for the part.

Keep trying.  If after 5 years you haven't got a part, then you will know that you are not good enough.  When you do get a part, live it, breathe it, be it.  And people will love your performance.

Break a Leg

Answer 5

You should believe in yourself and in your abilities!

You have one life and use it!!!

Live your dream and be happy!

If its acting that makes you happy , then do it!

I wish you all luck!!!

Answer 6

I love music! So I can kinda relate to what you're saying.

I think that you should do both acting and dentist/lawyer/ditch digger.

If one doesn't work you always got the other one backing you up.

Just do something you'd enjoy doing for the rest of your life.

Answer 7

This is biased to film acting as opposed to theatre acting

Most people might need special skills to supplment their resume. But that's less necessary if you're good looking.

You can pursue an acting career while you work, and it's more practical than relying on acting to pay the bills (atleast until you've made it big). I would Highly Recommend getting a job to pay the bills because everyone is right, this is an uncertain business. As you're working I would have you continue classes, find an agent and maybe study in school...maybe. More importantly though you want to take a lot of chances to gain experience, small parts, extras, commercials, school plays, small film projects, indies and other films where you may not even get paid!

It's a long way up and the first few hundred miles are all mud and muck. Most people give up before they make it out. Having the balls to make it is up to you, but a few things to help you are

Be very workable, someone a director would not hesitate on rehiring.

Ego kills you.

Learn from others. Ask other actors for wisdom, and learn from those who suck.

98.99% will go through a long line of rejections before having a glimmer of hope. Grow thick skin, don't take things too personally.

Get a great headshot and resume, something that stands out.

There's rarely more glamour than there is the business aspect. Treat it like a business.

Time is money. If you're on set, get the hang of the geography ASAP. Find the Dressing Room, Makeup and hairdressing department, wherever you're shooting. Oh, and don't be late.

Actor's should help eachother out, don't be the upstager, scene-stealer, or staller.

I wouldn't interfere with other people's work. Worry about you're own contributions and leave the other's to the Director.

Professionalism.

Passion.

I might have over did this, but I hope it will help in you're decision and hopefully your career.