Expert: Peter Messaline - 4/22/2003

Question
Hello Peter
my name is Sebastian I am fourteen years old and I  am soon going to go to High School, I want to start Drama classes there and Also get a job to be able to afford Drama classes outside of school. I wish to be an Movie Actor after I go to an acting college. I'm really into Drama, however I live in Maryland, and I don't have any connections. What would you advice me to do?

Answer
Connections won't help you for a while.

Right now, go to your library and ask for the sections on plays and on acting careers. Don't read star biographies, but look for 'How-to' books on the career. And get used to reading plays and scripts-- it's not easy, but it gets easier.

See what you can find out about your high school -- does it have an enthusiastic drama section? Do they do regular plays? Try to get in contact with the drama teacher. Write him/her a letter introducing yourself, saying what you're doing and saying you are looking forward to his/her advice. Is this being a bit of a keener? Yes, but you are a keener, this is important to you.

When you come to apply to drama college, they will be looking at what you have done in the high school period to see how interested you really are. Look around -- I'll bet your locality has an amateur group you can volunteer for. Perhaps the local college has a film course that needs actors or just willing helpers. Keep a file, so you'll have something to show colleges. (Start it with these Emails!)

Lots of luck. Keep your eye on the target, don't be caught by those who offer the quick fix: you are working on the sensible route.

Peter M