Expert: John T. Aney - 6/21/2010

Question
Hello, my name is Mary. I'm 16 and there is nothing else that I'd rather do with my life than be in the performing arts. I have always told myself that I wanted to do something exciting with my life, and for me... being on the stage is the most exciting thing out there! I've been in many plays(leading and supporting roles), and I have been taking singing, acting, and dancing classes since 3rd grade. Music is my life. I see Broadway shows whenever I can. I've seen about 15 of them! And everytime, I come out thinking, "that is what I want to do with my life." I just know that its what I want, I can feel it.
Right now, I am not interested in actually auditioning for Broadway, as I am only 16. My mom also doesn't want me to until I turn 18. But, I was just wondering what I can do to start preparing myself now? For example, what classes should i take and what colleges should I look for? I think I should get an agent when I'm 18, and start there. Also, I was wondering what actors equity was? But for now, I want to know what else I can do?
Thanks for listening! :)
Mary

Answer
Mary,

First of all, make sure you know what it is you really want.  If you want to be on Broadway in order to become famous, I recommend you reconsider.  For every actor on Broadway today, there are hundreds of thousands who will never make it.  The odds just aren't in your favor.

You need to consider what it is that really thrills you.  If you get thrill out of performing, being in musicals, etc., than you can probably have a very rewarding life doing that.  If you think Broadway is the only place you can be, then I am afraid you need to adjust your expectations.

You are still young and you have so much ahead of you.  My advice to you is get lots of experience doing a lot of different kinds of theatre (not just musicals).  Study hard in school - that is extremely important - and make sure you get good grades.  More than anything else, however, have fun.  Once you graduate from high school, the number of years ahead of you when you are expected just to have fun are limited.  Have fun now.

Regarding colleges, my advice to everyone is to get into the best college you can.  Look for colleges that have drama or theatre departments that are doing things that are interesting to you.  Your best bet is to get a good, solid liberal arts education.  Specialization can come later, if you decide to go to graduate school (for an MFA).  A good college will provide you with the training you need at this point - try to find one with a decent music department so you can keep your voice in good shape.  Go to college - don't decide to audition for Broadway yet.  Get training and experience first.  College is the best place to get that.

Wait until you are out of college to get an agent.  There's no hurry.  Spend your college time perfecting your craft, not going out on professional auditions.  You will be better prepared for a good life if you have a good education to start out with.

Actors Equity is the labor union for actors.  They provide services and negotiate with theatres to make sure actors are adequately compensated and that the working conditions are acceptable.  Don't worry about becoming an Equity actor yet.  Time will come for that, too.

So, to sum up -
- Enjoy the rest of your high school years
- Get lots of experience doing different kinds of theatre
- Do well in school
- Go to college
- Get more training in college
- Then, when you graduate from college, you will know more and will better be able to make your decisions on your own.

Good luck.

jta