Expert: Laura Interval - 7/6/2008

Question
Hello there,  
I'm 16, I currently live in Belgium and go to an English speaking international school. Acting is not only my hobby, it is my passion. I started out doing amateur plays and musicals. Slowly, from extra-work, I crawled my way up to large roles in professional productions. I just finished a play, and I recently found out that I got the lead in a new TV-series. I got through to the final audition round for the lead in a cinema-movie, and I'm still awaiting the answer.   

As you can hear, I am taking on everything that can be combined with school, since I realize an education is important. However, I may be becoming a 'big fish in a small pond' but Belgium is a small country. I was planning to go to an Performing Arts school here, and then, to increase my chances go to Los Angeles or New York. When I've moved I would try to get involved in theater companies and see where that takes me.    

For me it's not 'getting on TV' that's important, it's taking on larger and more complex roles and developing my skills as an actress.   

Now that I've blabbed on and introduced myself, I'll ask you my question. I have absolutely no idea how to go about making the big move from one continent to another. Is it best I do this right after I graduate high-school and try to get into a performing arts school there, or do my education here and then move over to LA as an adult?    

Once I get there, how would I go about starting up and getting myself into the business all over again? How will I suport myself while auditioning?   Advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Thank you for listening!   
Hope to hear from you soon,
Laura.

Answer
Hi Laura
It's great to get such a well thought out question!  I appreciate your determination and willingness to work hard.
First let me tell you that there is no real right or wrong answer here.  Only what will be right for you.  I will tell you my opinion and see how you feel.
You are still young, I wouldn't get in a hurry.  Continue to get all of the experience you can in Belgium.  You WANT to be a big fish in a little pond before you even think about coming to America.  We are overcrowded here with actors and people who want to act.  You need to continue to work really hard at becoming the best so you'll stand out when you get here.
As far as schooling goes, it really depends on what type of acting you want to do/study.  If you are really interested in theater/stage/musicals, I would encourage you to look at the American (or British) Colleges and Universities that have good departments.  It would be a good way for you to come over, meet other American artists, and have agency contacts when you graduate.  However, most serious programs do not allow you to work until you graduate, so it may be costly.
I, too believe in education.  You are still developing who you are as a person and an actress, at your age it's important to be in a solid, nurturing environment.  I wouldn't come over here if you don't know anyone or are worried about making ends meet.  It's just too hard at your age.  I would continue studying and performing over there for the next couple of years, while you develop a plan to come here at 18 or so.  That is still considered young here... and I think you will be more prepared to deal with the business of acting.  
Keep your eyes out for possible exchange programs as well, where you could come here for a semester or two.  I know a few artists who have been able to do that and greatly benefited.
You will learn a lot more about that through a performing arts school there.  
The reality is:  it's a tough business over here.  If you are extremely talented, young and gifted, you might be able to get attention with some hard work.  I don't believe that it will make any difference whether you do it at 16 or 18. . . .so, I would wait!
Keep your eyes out for any auditions... keep working hard... keep developing your art.  You'll feel much more confident when you hit America!
Hope I helped some
Please feel free to ask me more questions if you have any more specific ideas.
All the best,
Laura Interval