Expert: Kitty Kavey - 9/5/2008

Question
Hey my name is jasmine i love to act and im really good at it.My dad wants me to focus on my school work and go to college before I start my acting career.I heard that its really hard to become a successful actress when you get older.Thats why i want to start as a teen but my dad isnt very supporting.What should I do?? My friends tell me im a really good actor and i can sing really good.My step mom think i should pursue my dreams but its kind of hard when your father isnt supporting you. I guess my dad thinks im gonna turn out like brittney spears of the olsen twins but im not i dont let publicity get to me.

Answer
Well, it's hard to be a successful actress at any age, and generally an older actress is someone well into their thirties or forties, which leaves plenty of time between that and college.

It sounds like the school you go to now doesn't have a drama department, but you could both go to school and participate in a local acting class, or participate in community theater, independent and student films and productions that are quite often scheduled around normal school/work hours.

Even on your own, for now, you could start your own acting group to study the craft of acting, and maybe do some local performances or productions (outside of school and study time.)

You can also choose to go to a drama school or college, or go to a university with a strong drama department where you can study hard at acting and singing too if you wish (maybe a way to compromise with your dad - you go to college and study, but you'd be studying what you love to do.)

Good luck to you,
~Kitty