You are here:
- Home
- Movies
- Actors' Exchange
- Actors` Exchange
- Want to act
Actors` Exchange/Want to act
Advertisement
Question
Hi, I am a 14 year old who has a big problem with acting. You see the only
thing i could ever imagine spending my life on is acting, but i have extremely
low self-esteem. I get really nervous on stage, and always feel hopeless. Yet i
want it so much. I feel so depressed every time I think about it. I am not particularly talented, but there is something about it... something
WONDERFUL! I love Watching plays, and I only wish I could do it too! ACT!
Is there anyway I can just let myself lose?
Hi Mala,
It's amazing how many acting students I've taught felt just the way you do. Sometimes that's why they get into acting, to be someone different than the person they see themselves to be.
Your problem may be deeper than one I can answer since of your low self-esteem. You might consider seeking out the help of a therapist who can help with this problem. I've done this myself, and it was very useful.
My most successful students are not necessarily the most talented, or the hardest working ones. They're the ones who want it the most. And it seems like you want it very much.
So don't despair about your perceived lack of talent. You could be much more than you think you are, and you could do great things in acting.
The trick is preparation. If you have your lines down pat, if you know your character inside out and you feel what that character feels, you will show the audience that.
Acting isn't an easy business (and it is a business). You have to train, study and apply yourself. There are many, many aspects to this business including speech, movement, memorization and motivation.
But let's get over this self-esteem issue first. Tackle that one, and the rest might be easy.
Good luck!
Roland
Related Articles
Roland Parliament
Expertise
I can answer any questions regarding voice-over work in commercials, animation, dubbing and narration. I can coach actors in audition technique, performance requirements and demo tape preparation. I can help break down sides for all of the above.
Experience
I have directed 55 episodes of the hit anime series "Sailor Moon", several other dubbed series and one theatrical release animation entitled, "Ferretina" (release date to be announced). I have voice-acted in over 2,000 commercials, several animation series and a number of narration productions. I have been sent by ACTRA to St. John's, Winnipeg and Halifax to educate and produce demo tapes for ACTRA members.
Organizations
ACTRA, AF of M, SOCAN
Publications
I am currently writing a textbook and instructional CD for voice performers.
Education/Credentials
I am an award-winning graduate of the Radio & Television Arts Program at Ryerson University, Toronto (1971). I have completed several acting courses at George Brown College (Toronto). I have taught voice in the Theatre Program at Ryerson University (1990-2002) and am currently teaching voice and dialects in the Acting For Film & Television Program at Humber College Toronto. I taught for 7 years in ACTRA's Apprenticeship program.
Awards and Honors
Over 75 international awards for advertising music plus the Don Hudson Award for Creative Excellence at Ryerson
Past/Present Clients
Advertising: Rowntree-MacIntosh, GMC, McCains, Coca-cola, Swiss Chalet, McDonald's, Ford Motors, Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Blood Services, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Royal Bank of Canada, Zellers, etc.
Animation: DIC Productions, Nelvana, Avianca & Associates, etc.
Narration: The LongPen, Audience Productions, INCO, etc.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.