Expert: Peter Messaline - 5/22/2009

Question
I recently failed out of college because the entire time I was there I realized that it wasn't the right thing for me. All I wanted to do was act, sing, or dance. I was wondering, since I'm based in NY, how hard is it to break into the film business, getting representation, and possibly going on auditions. Do you have any particular advice?

Answer
If I were you, I'd try to get back into college, even if it's in a different subject. Becoming an actor in NY is worse than college could possibly be.
If you are looking at starting in NYC, you will be facing intense competition from people of your age with experience and training. Agents rarely sign anyone who hasn't already got some sort of track record.
Even experienced actors don't usually work often in NYC, as you can tell from the fact that all restaurants and most bookstores are staffed by wannabe actors. It's not easy to get that sort of work, because all the best jobs are passed from one actor to another in friendship networks.
If you want the best chance at an acting career, look for a college course you can afford. At the end, you will have some acting skills and the beginnings of a network of people who know you.

The only alternative would be to go to one of the outer boroughs where the competition may not be so ridiculous, and find independent filmmakers and theatres, who would be glad of some help, and who may be able to cast you eventually.

Why not Google "new york acting" and noodle through the sites. Look especially at backstage.com, which has lots of real life stories unfolding.

Don't set aside your current life to concentrate on a far distant possibility. As you go on now with your 'pay the rent' life, spare some time to prepare yourself for making the move to acting. Get to know where you are heading, what stands in your way, and how to overcome that obstacle.

Good luck in your long hard trip.