Expert: Kitty Kavey - 3/4/2008

Question
I'm a young aspiring actress and I live in New York City.It's my DREAM to become a motion picture actress,but I have no idea how to break into the business.I don't have any support from my family,so I'd have to find an agent and a manager and an acting school all on my own.I'm only 16,and I'm not sure how to go about doing any of that.I've acted in school productions and have been told that I'm very good,but I know that I need practice.Will it be hard for me to get an agent and/or manager without any "real" experience?And do I have to get permission from my parents before getting that far?If I do,they'll never let me go through with it.I wanted to know if there was any way I could do it on my own,and if you knew of any good acting programs in New York City that were free.Also,I've bene having A LOT of trouble in school and was considering dropping out and taking up acting full-time...but if it doesn't work out I'll probably end up as a cashier someplace.Please get back to me as soon as possible.

Answer
Well, here's the thing about parents - they usually don't want their child to drop out of school for any reason.  Whatever type of trouble you've been having at school, your parents may be afraid that even if you try another type of school (like an acting or performing arts school) that the problems may continue into the new school.  That would tend to make them less supportive of your dream of acting in general.

Since you have acted in school productions, you do have real experience.  A stage is a stage, and performing for an audience is real acting.  If you have the natural talent, it will not be difficult to find an agent.  You can pick up a copy of the Ross Reports on newsstands in NYC, your local bookstore or online, which lists model and talent agencies in your area.

You will need a professional actor's headshot and resume, and you may need your parent's to sign legal paperwork for you (like an agency contract) if you are not of age.

There are acting groups inside the city that meet to practice acting and auditioning skills and support each other for free and at a low cost, and you can certainly start your own group with a focus specifically on film acting and auditioning.  Networking and contacts from acting groups and schools/classes can provide you with many opportunities later on.

But, you have to figure out what you can do to improve your situation at school currently.  If you can take charge and handle that situation, you may find your parents more supportive of your other dreams and goals.  

It sounds like you're having a tough time, and I can sympathize.  There are other things you could consider as well - such as finishing school early, getting a GED or equivalent, and going to acting school or a college as a performing arts major.

You can still work as an actor whether you are currently enrolled in high school, or a drama school - or even if you are also working as a cashier.  Perhaps instead of that sort of job, you could look instead for work (even as an intern, at your age now) in the entertainment industry.  Working on film sets as a PA, or even as a paid extra/background artist can teach you a lot about acting and the filmmaking process, without having to pay for an expensive course.

Hang in there, and good luck to you.
~Kitty