Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 6/18/2009

Question
For as long as i can rememeber, my dream has been to become an actress. Even if it meant commercials, tv shows or movies. My mom on the other hand doesn't think i should even try. She says im hispanic (cuban) and 5"0 tall at the age of 16 and that i dont stand a chance. I proved to her that Hayden Panatierre is 4"11 and is also latina. Hayden Panatierre is short too! I know that i can do it. I know that i have the potential but my dreams keep getting squished by the most important people in my life. Whenever i get an audition my mom doesn't take me or cancels it. She'll make some lame excuse to have to cancel it. That's really the only thing i want to do in the future. ACT. What should i do? PLease help me...

Answer
Hola Dorothy, Yes, race and color have no bearing on professional casting. Only having the talent and being the type are important. This has been true for about a hundred years in the American theatre and cinema.   But it is also true that  you cannot do anything professional without your parents' help, so if she will not help, you will have to wait until you are 18 and earning your own living to pursue acting. In the meanwhile you could be in all the school plays, so get on that. Best wishes and God bless, Doc