Expert: Peter Messaline - 9/29/2004

Question
Dear peter, you probably get this alot, but I am very serious about persuing acting as a profession, and I really really want to make it, but I do not know how possible this may be. I was hoping you could offer me some advice. I have been in every high scool play from grade 8 to grade 12, for the most part I have had major roles. I have won numerous acting awards including top drama student. I will be attending a school for the performing arts next fall. I have recieved engoragement from all of my artistic teachers, and I was just wondering how possible it would be for me to make it in the entertainmaen industry. I also have a strong background in singing, I finished grade 7 of 10 in the conservatory of music.

Answer
You remind me of me!
But you're better trained already.

OK, you are going to college to take a degree in performance? You should be sure that you start building your contacts and supporters right away, and keep it going through your college years. Coming out of college with contacts in place, who already know something about you, will give you a huge jumpstart on your competition.

That being said, "making it", whatever that means to you, is far from certain in the industry.
In the larger centres, there is a heap of work and two heaps of competition, and in the smaller centres you might get started easier, but your career will be limited by the quality of work available.
I have been an actor for nearly forty years, and after the first five years have avoided having to take employment to pay the rent, but this is very unusual. You will succeed by making the job hunt part of your daily routine, and by being your own sales staff.
Read all you can about the careers of actors, especially 'How-To' books. A lot of them are "Be a Star in Ten Minutes", but there are others which give sober, intelligent advice on the hard work and disappointment that is our life.

How cheery!

Get your act together, find out all you can about the job you are aiming for, and enjoy yourself.

Peter M