Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/22/2009

Question
Hello, Doc. I'm a junior in high school that started in the second semester of sophomore year. I currently have five shows under my belt including two musicals a one act. I was speaking with my instructor/director today about college and scholarships, and we spoke for awhile about the different paths there are to take. Improv, Straight Theatre, Film/Television and Musical Theatre are the ones that I can remember off the top of my head. I'm interested in them all, with some more than others. Is there a way to balance them all, or should I limit myself to fewer aspects? Also, what majors should I aim for to 'make it'?

Thanks a bunch
Charles

Answer
Hi Charles. Well let's start with a few ideas. 1. college may not be the best way to a career in acting.  2. There is so little difference among most of these "paths" you list that only muscial theatre is significant. Musical theatre is a very small, very specialized field of acting, requiring the "triple threat" performer who can sing, dance, and act. The other paths do not require singing nor dancing. 3. While Improv is not too different from acting, it is also a very limited field. 4. Stage and camera acting are only different in size, projection and duration, what the actor does is the same thing.  5. to "make it" in any of the paths requires great artistic talent, lots of experience, some training, the proper personality, perseverance, business talent and luck. If you write to me at kencosp@aol.com I will send you my ebook on preparing for a career in acting.  And we can discuss your situation at length there. Best wishes and God bless, Doc