Expert: Phil Nemy - 3/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am 13 and want to go into acting, I know I need to take acting classes and/or drama but I don't know what to do from there. Also would it help to do/try theater as well just to know a little bit about both? or just stick to acting for film. And is there any acting schools [locally or internationally] that would be good to attend" I live in Ohio near Cincinnati. thanks for your time and consideration,Brittany

ANSWER: Brittany,

Thanks for writing. You're instincts are correct, you need to enroll in the best acting classes you can find in order to develop your skills and your talent. By all means, do as much theater as you can - it's good experience and work that you can add to your resume. Since you live in  Ohio, when the time comes to go to college, you might wish to consider enrolling in Ohio State University's Theater program and earn a BFA degree in Theater. It will undoubtedly be good training for you. In the Cincy area, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music has a Theater and Music Theater program that has an excellent reputation. Studying the craft of acting for the stage is the foundation of ALL forms of acting be it theater, film, TV, radio, etc. You can't go wrong by learning your craft in the theater.

Once you've completed your training, if you want to work in theater, you'll need to move to NYC because that's where the best theater is done and where most plays and musicals are cast. If you want to work in film and TV, you'll need to move to Los Angeles as 95% of all film and TV is cast in LA.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know you just answered my question but i forgot to ask if you know of any other schools that wouldn't be to expensive but still will teach me what i need to know in acting/theater? sorry I know this probably gets annoying/your thinking why couldn't she have ask this in the first question! {lol}

ANSWER: Brittany,

You're not being annoying at all! That's what this site is all about - asking questions and getting help. So don't worry about it!

Since Ohio State is a state school, I'm guessing that their tuition is going to be relatively cheap compared to private schools with terrific theater programs like Carnegie Mellon and Julliard. I don't know if U of Cincy is a state school or not.

For someone your age, there is a school in Columbus, Ohio called the Columbus Junior Theater of the Arts. When I was your age, I took acting classes there and it was terrific! I studied acting, dance, movement, voice, improvisation and Mime. In fact, when the late mime master  Marcel Marceau came to the United States on tour, our mime teacher, who was a former student of his, arranged for us to have a private class with the master himself! I wouldn't have had that opportunity if it weren't for the Columbus Junior Theater of the Arts. They changed their name a few years ago to Columbus Children's Theater. Their website is http://www.colschildrenstheatre.org/. Check them out and see what you think.

Phil




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there a way to do theater and acting for film at same time, or do I have to choose one???

Answer
Brittany,

Of course you can perform in theater AND film at the same time. It all comes down to whether you are cast in both at the same time or not. Many Broadway actors will do guest spots in TV shows, shooting by day, then heading over to the theater and performing in their play/musical at night.

Phil