Expert: John T. Aney - 5/16/2010

Question
Hi, i am a junior in high school with one week of school left and then im a senior. Its coming around to that time where i have to decide where i would like to go. But i first need to find out what i want to do. Throughout my high school years i have been active in the Theatre Department. I have been a lead in all three musicals i have been in, which was a huge honor for me to even be apart of and have been in all performances at my school, which is about 24 so far. I am in ITS (international thespian society), ITS President, and recently got Best Actor in the One-Act Competition out of everyone in our region (Which i really didnt expect). Recently after our most recent musical a stranger came up to me and said i belonged on broadway, and that i did a better job than the original actor for the specific character i played. Ive always thought about being an actor as a career, but im so scared. I love acting/singing/dancing and it is my true passion. But ill be honest, and this is going to sound horrible. But i dont want to be that person who ends up getting no where. So if you were in my situation what would you do? Take a chance, or play it safe? Does it sound like i have the talent?(obviously you cant know for sure but what do you think?) Should i major in two things just in case?

Answer
My advice to you is to not be in a big hurry.  You are now (or very soon will be) a senior in high school.  Your whole life is ahead of you.

Yes, it sounds like you have some talent, but talent is not enough to be a successful actor.  So, right now - go to college.  Try to go to a good college.  Get a good education.  Find a college with a good drama program, and be involved there, but make sure you get a good education as well.  A good liberal arts education will do more for your future than anything else, at this point in your life.   A liberal arts education will allow you to be exposed to lots of other subjects "just in case."

Once you get your education, and hopefully participate in theatre at the college level, then decide if you want to go forward with the theatre.  By then, you should have a good understanding of your own talents and limitations, and will have had lots of opportunities to hear what others think of your talent.

Forget about Broadway, though.  The chances of you making it to Broadway are very slim.  If you love the theatre, great.  If you love Broadway and dream of being on Broadway, you should probably find another profession.  Same goes with Hollywood.

jta