Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 10/24/2008

Question
Hi,i am 13 years old, i live in California and i have been in talent shows in all my schools. i wish to become an actress some day,i have my mind and heart in becoming a actress, but how or what do i do to acomplish my dream?

Answer
Hi Valerie. This is the most frequent question I am asked.  If you want to be an actress when you grow up, just start by doing all the speech and drama things at school, especially the competitions and the plays. The more acting experience you get the better.  If you excel at these things, then you should take a professional acting class, begin to make a resume, and think about how to continue seeking a career as an actress when you get out of high school. You will need to read several books including Acting as a Business by Brian O'Neil, How to Become a Magnet to Hollywood Success by two authors (both available at Amazon.com) and The Tao of Acting by yours truly write me at kencosp@aol.com for ordering instructions, and others mentioned in my book. These books need to be read and reread and studied over and over so you know how to proceed. If you want to be an actress as a teen, it is a little late for you to be starting as most aspirants your age have a long background of experience and training by the age of 13.  The key to being a teen actor is one's parents.  They have to work very hard to make it possible.  Best wishes, Doc