Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 6/1/2009

Question
Thank-you for taking the time to answer my question.
I am a 15 year old girl and I am extremely interested in going into the acting business, and I also really like to sing.  The only problem with this is that my parents do not think this would be a very practical career.  I have tried to make a deal with them saying that after high school I want to go out to LA for a year and see what happens.  If I don't get any jobs or can't get an agent I have promised I will go to college just like they want.  Acting/Singing has been my dream for as long as I can remember.  How can I convince my parents to help me reach my dreams?  What can I do that will prepare me even more so I can help reassure them?

Answer
Hi there, Sarah.  And thanks for writing.  

This is a common challenge for people your age.  This happens especially with parents who have very different careers and have never seen how this kind of work can be a very successful one.  

I think it is very essential that you attend college out of high school.  College gives you some foundation for life and helps you move from home to being on your own.  Plopping yourself into LA right away would be very difficult.  

What if you went to college and studied acting and singing?  What if you did that and also did some courses of another type - outside of the arts?  Are you interested in being anything else?  I think taking both your first year would be wise because as you work, you will find out what your passion is.

Being an artist takes a lot of hard work. It is not an easy life.  By going to college and studying singing and acting as well as something else, you are giving yourself a chance to make a wise decision.  Education is very important as it helps you become employable and also attractive to employers.  It also provides contacts and resources you would not have otherwise.  

Does that help you?

Wanda