Expert: Laura Interval - 7/21/2008

Question
i am thirteen years old and would love to become an actress. when i was
about seven i was accepted to be in a loreal commercial but was away on
family vacation so i could not fully apply myself to the opportunity. i am not a
singer but i am very outgoing and am not shy at all. i will not limit myself to
certain commercials because i am open and willing to talk about anything. i
think i am beautiful and have a great body. i am very self confident and do
not get offended easily. i live in seattle. i do not want to put in years of
school if possible. if you could do anything to help i would greatly appreciate
it.

Answer
Hi Lucy
It sounds like you have a lot of what it takes to be a great actress.  Confidence is really important as well as understanding how to take criticism and rejection.  However, I also want you to understand that it takes a lot of work.  You don't have to wait for years of school, but you do need to be prepared to study and work as hard as possible to develop your skills and become the best actress you can be.  You're still young, you have the time!
Get involved NOW.  Start with your local theater company or drama club.  Do you have a drama department at school?
Call the "talent agents" in Seattle and see what they are looking for in talent your age right now.  Find out what it will take to get a meeting with them.  You will need to get an agent to pursue auditions.
Get into workshops, classes, summer sessions - whatever you can to begin to learn about the craft and career and meet others who are pursuing it as well.
There are no shortcuts.  Get involved, perform, become the best.  Then, you will be prepared for the opportunities when they come up!
All the best,
Laura Interval