Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 12/22/2009

Question
I'm 16. ever since i could talk I've been acting, I've wanted to go to butler to major in theatre since i was eight. I've been in all the school and church plays and musicals. public speaking is one of my favorite classes. I want to know how i can make a career in acting and one day maybe make it big in acting. I really want to make it in acting, to go to butler i need a scholarship. butler looks at high school plays. i found out i had cancer and because of my procedures i have to miss a year of drama, are there still chances i could get a scholarship. i rely want to make it in acting. i don't know where to start to make this happen. can you help.
god bless and thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Allie, First, I hope that you will be fully healthy soon.  I am wondering why you have zeroed in on Butler which is not one of the better schools for acting.  Becoming a professional actress is one of the most challenging careers there is. A university theatre major is not needed by an actor. A theatre major covers many more topics besidss acting, and usually does not offer much in the way of acting itself. There are schools that have acting majors;they are selective and expensive.  I do not think it is a good idea for someone who wants to become an actor to go into debt by going to school.  The most important factor is one's natural born talent.  Talent can not be taught. The second most important factor is experience.  When you are recovered, you will need to be in all the plays you can, just as you have been doing. Write to me at kencosp@aol.com and I will attach me ebook on preparing for professional acting to my reply.  Blessings, Doc