You are here:
Acting in Plays, Singing/Hi Arlene
Advertisement
Question
I am just dying to become an actor and i would like to know, if you know, if there is any way to become an actor while being in the army or do i have to wait until i get out.
Well, Arlene was apparently not available to answer this question, so I hope I'll do.
As an Air Force veteran, I can tell you that pursuing acting while in the service can definitely be a challenge. You can pretty much forget doing any Equity (union) work, as rehearsals are typically during the daytime and most military jobs have the same schedule . . . not to mention that Equity work *is* a full-time job. Additionally, regardless of the service, you have to consider yourself "on call" 24/7, which can seriously interfere with any rehearsals or, sometimes, performances.
However, if you are interested in honing your skills and gaining experience, I would strongly recommend checking out any community theatre companies local to your duty assignment. (In fact, some posts/bases/forts have their own community theatre companies!) They are great places to pay your dues and build your skills, and to get ready to branch out once your term is up and you are again a civilian.
Lastly, consider workshops and classes in your area. Many of those are scheduled for people with day jobs, and it's not quite as critical if you miss one or two due to duty responsibilities. And, as a working actor, I can tell you that training is ALWAYS a good idea - you can only get so far through raw talent.
Break a leg, and let me know how you do!
-- Spyder
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
J. Spyder Isaacson
Expertise
Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!) ***DO NOT*** ASK ME QUESTIONS REGARDING AUDITION SONGS OR MONOLOGUES - the answers require way too much information to be passed along by the All Experts system.
Experience
I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.
Organizations
Theatre Puget Sound
Magical Mystery Troupe
Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former)
Express-Theatre Northwest (former)
Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater
Publications
Unrelated trade publications
Education/Credentials
B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University
M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)
Awards and Honors
Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival
Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor
Past/Present Clients
C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.