Expert: Peter Messaline - 3/26/2009

Question
im 15 and it has always been my dream to get into acting however i didn't take drama for my GCSEs because i didn't get on with my teacher so i took dance instead can i still get into acting?

Answer
There are a number of possible acting courses at British universities and colleges, and you should google their names and their description of what they are looking for in new students. You are unlikely to see a drama qualification listed.

What they do like to see, in general, is evidence that you are ready to do something about your desire to be an actor. Their courses are very popular, and they only chose people who they think are ready for the hard work for three years. It's easy to want to be an actor, but the more you know about it, the more you realise it's a career choice like any other.

Read all you can about the actor's career. There are practical books in the library under Dewey 792. Don't read star biographies; look for advice from working actors -- and read a lot of books, because their advice is all different!

There is no one way to be a good actor, or a successful one -- if there were, everybody would be using it. As it is, everybody has their own best method.

Look for ways to do acting inside school and outside it. There are often clubs of enthusiasts where you could get acting parts by being around and being useful. Amateur societies often need younger actors, but see what your school is doing after the school day.

And start your own performance group! Find a charity that needs something for their publicity, find a fete that will allow you to put on a show. It doesn't have to be Hamlet -- a five-minute skit on the perils of bike-riding without a helmet is the sort of thing you could put together with the help of the people who are organising the event.

Going to a college with good marks, some knowledge of the actor's world and something on your résumé will put you ahead of much of the competition. Settle in for the long haul, and don't forget to enjoy the journey as well as looking forward to the destination.