Expert: Phil Nemy - 12/14/2009

Question
Dear Mr. Nemy,

I am 29, and I am originally from Hungary. I am located in Houston, TX, and I have been searching the net, trying to find out what would be the best way to start an acting career. I have no experience in "on camera acting", and I don't have any connections. I have a full time job Monday to Friday 8-5. I really want to get into acting, but I have no idea how to start? (Especially here in Houston) I read a lot about finding a school or workshop, and I also read and heard about how difficult to get into acting...join SAG, find an agent, etc.  

I would appreciate if you could give me an advice on what I should do first. Start is always difficult especially if you don’t know much about the business. I am really excited about this career. To me becoming an actor is not just a dream, it is also a goal.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my questions. I am looking forward any suggestion, advice or even questions you may have.

Sincerely,
Andras Olah


Answer
Andras,

Thanks for writing. If you want to be an actor, you DO need training. If it's possible for you to go back to school, then consider enrolling at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Their Theater Department offers a BFA degree in acting. Attending school there will give you a solid foundation in the craft of acting.

Once you have the training, you then need to move to either Los Angeles or New York City as these are the two cities in the USA where the majority of auditions are held. In fact, about 95% of all casting for film and TV is performed in LA. You cannot just come to LA for a couple months to try it out, you're going to have to make the commitment to move to LA and plan to be there for at least 5-10 years. It's going to take at least that long to get your career started. And the reality is that you may get the training, move to LA, and STILL never be able to find enough work as an actor to support yourself. That's how tough it is to pursue an acting career. You need talent, a great look, AND A LOT OF LUCK!

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil