Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 10/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi.
I want to act since I was little. I've also wanted to play in High School Musical
but the problem is that I don't live in the USA. My school doesn't have a
drama group. I now a famous writer who's kids sing and I asked her but she
doesn't know anyone. It's been my dream to act. I sing, dance and Act very
good but never got a chance to audition. Could you help me out???
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Samantha.  Thanks for writing.  Let's chat about this a little ok. (We might go back and forth a few times but that is fine.)  

Would you be able to tell me where you do live?

Wanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi thanks for writing.
I live in Germany.
Will there be a problem becomeing an actress because I don't live in the US???


ANSWER: Hi there, Samantha...

Germany has its own theatres as does Italy and other countries there in Europe.  Have you checked into any of them?  Over here, auditions are listed either on a website or they are in the paper.  Or they are listed on the bulletin board at the theatre.  

I am not quite sure on how things work in Europe, but I know that there are actors and actresses there who audition for shows often.  One of my good friends in theatre is from Italy.  

Let me know if you have checked the theatres in your local area or not.  That would be the first place I would check.

Wanda



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello.
Yes I have looked at theatres, but they all want older people.
I'm 15 and they want people that are about 18 to 22.
That's a problem.
I looked on the internet to see for any musical auditions.
High School Musical 3 would be so cool.  

Answer
Hi Samantha...
Well, it is good that you have looked at theatres there.  How do you know that 18-22 is the age they are looking for?  Did they tell you that?  

The reason I ask this is because here in Canada and the US, there's opportunity for people of all ages to become involved in theatre.  Any age can audition.  And the more you audition, the more likely you are to get a part.  The same goes for musical auditions.

So to answer your original question, it is possible for you to become an actress even though you live in Germany.  The best way to go about this is:
1.  Take an acting class or get an acting coach to learn technique.
2.  Get some help with preparing a piece for auditioning in this class or with this coach.
3.  Here in Canada we have what is called community theatres.  These are community organizations that volunteer and put together plays and musicals for the public.  The money raised usually goes toward something in the community.  I don't know if you have this kind of organization in Germany there, but this is a great way to get some theatre experience as well.
4.  Audition wherever you can - at these community theatres - at professional theatres (because sometimes a story does call for a younger person).

The key to remember is that you cannot become an actress unless you work at becoming one.  

Wanda