Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 2/3/2008

Question
I'm 17 and I'm interested on how to get started in getting a singing/ acting career. I'm pretty sure I can sing, becuase I've been told by strangers at the mall/ public that I can sing. I'm very confident being on stage, front and center is always a must for me when performing. But I know my limits that I must never overdo my confidence. I'm in my high school choir and drama class. I really want to get this career started as soon as possible while in high school. So do you have any advice on getting started?...
Note: the music genres I could sing in are, country, R&B, soul, acoustic, alternative rock and Hip- Pop.
I can act like anything!

- Neng

Answer
Hi there, Neng.  And thanks for writing.  

Well, the best thing to do since you are still in high school is:
1.  Begin to audition for community theatres and other theatres (that are professional) in your area.  You will need a good monologue and if you are interested in musical theatre, a musical theatre piece to audition with.  

Getting experience at this level and auditioning lots will eventually land you a role.

2.  Study acting by reading about it.  Also take the time to not only read about it but to take some workshops and classes at night.  

3.  Study singing.  Read about it and also take workshops and classes.  The best way to study singing is to take some one on one voice lessons with a voice coach and/or teacher.  

4.  If you are interested in getting a degree start looking into universities and colleges for their acting and musical theatre programs. (this is a good way to learn a lot in a short space of time and will connect you with people in the industry; if you are auditioning though regularly you could probably get somewhere without the college or university; it just depends what you want).  

The most important thing I can tell you is that a career in acting and/or singing takes a lot of dedication, time and persistence.  It will not happen automatically nor will it happen quickly.  You have to work at it.  It takes commitment and willingness to learn always.  

Does that help you?

Wanda