Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/9/2008

Question
Ok, so i do have a love for acting. When it came to playing pretend when i was little, i loved to plan things out and if i didn't like the way i played my role i just HAD to redo it. I don't know if acting would be right for me or not, and whenever it comes to auditions, my parents have the "what are the odds of that" attitude. Modeling seems like a lot of fun too, but i have bad break outs, glasses and need braces. Is this something i could fix and convince my parents to let me do, or should i just give up hope completely? /with/ the braces thing, its only on my bottom teeth, but maybe i could still pursue the acting.....

Answer
You could certainly try acting and modeling, and see if doing either appeals to you.  While modeling might be more difficult with glasses and braces, acting would probably not.

The one issue might be the breakouts - if it is caused by or aggravated by putting makeup on, or stress, of course for both modeling and acting that would include at least the makeup, if not the stress.

Another thing to consider, is if you need braces, you can look into Invisalign.  Not only should you be able to wear them in photos, but you can also take them off if you are doing an important audition or role.

For both modeling and acting, not every job involves an audition or go-see.  Sometimes your agent direct books you, without you having to audition, and for smaller roles (like background work) where there is no speaking involved, you are quite often direct-booked.

You may want to meet with agents in your area, and see what they say.  In the end, it is your agent who markets you, gets you job opportunities, and if they believe you have talent and/or are photogenic, then that's important.

If your parents feel they don't want to support you (to get you to auditions/jobs, sign paperwork for you if you're under the age of legal consent in your area, etc.) then you can see about attending a school that has a drama department or an acting school.  Since you have a talent for planning things out, you may want to look into what would give you the best chances so that the "odds" of booking work from an audition are more in your favor.

Certainly your location is a factor - if you live in Mississippi as oppposed to NYC or Los Angeles, there may be less work (and far fewer agents) for either modeling or acting, and you may have to be more creative with training for acting.  

There are community theaters, you could start your own acting troupe or study group, or petition your school to start an acting program.  There are books available in your local library, bookstore or online that can help you with the study of acting, as well as modeling and talent agency directories that cover the US and some places worldwide.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty