Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 7/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey i want to become a young actress and i just don't know how to get started and i don't like camps so what else can i do. Do i have to take acting class but how old do you have to be to take that class i'm only 12 and can you take them online? One more thing i got to ask you can i go to a normal school district or a private schools

ANSWER: Hi there, Pooh...And thanks for writing.

I want to ask you a question - not because I am trying to be mean or doubt you.  It is because I want you to have a really good idea about what it is that we are talking about here - this acting career. So here it goes...

Why do you want to become an actress?  If it is because you want glam and glory, then you have the wrong career.  Acting is a very hard career.  It takes lots of work and persistence.  Not everyone who goes into acting does very well in acting because of this.  I just want you to be very careful that you don't put all your efforts into this unless you are prepared to live the kind of life that this requires.

What I am saying is that I would have another major as well as acting once you get to high school and university.  Be prepared to go either into acting or whatever else you love to do or both.  Have options.

As for getting started now, taking acting classes or becoming involved with a storybook theatre or children's theatre or teenage theatre is a good idea.  You can take classes at your school or go into drama there.  You can take private acting lessons.  

Regarding the type of school to go to...You may want to look at what the school offers before you decide whether or not you are going to go there.  If  they offer acting, then go.  If they don't, then don't go.  Normal or private schools offer acting.  You just need to make the choice with your parents as to the best one to go to.

Although acting lessons can be taken online, I would highly recommend that you don't go this route.  Taking them in a class or one on one with a teacher is the best idea.  It will be more enjoyable for you.

Does that help you?

Wanda

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

QUESTION: Hey i want to be an actress because that is what i love to do and how can i still go to school and become an actress at the same time.

ANSWER: Hi Pooh...And thanks for writing back.

Ok.  You say you love to do this.  How do you know?  Have you worked as an actor even in a school play?  I would seriously encourage you to get experience by taking part in drama in school or taking private acting lessons and learning a monologue to perform in front of your coach.  

Taking classes or workshops or being involved in drama at school are things you can do while in school.  Actually, group learning for acting is the best thing because it will help you work with a scene partner - a very key skill in acting.

Does that help you?

Please keep writing and we will hash this out together.

Wanda

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

QUESTION: yea i did do drama it was part of our school and can you give me your number for we can talk about it please!

Answer
Hi there, Pooh.

Drama is a good start.  Keep doing that.  Find classes.  Do community theatre.

Any telephone time I do is paid time.  I am a coach.  I do this expert site to help people get started.  If you want to hire me for an hour, you can.  Go to http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca and click on skill coaching.  

OR

What are your questions?  Maybe I can answer them on here.  I know it is not the ultimate. It is what I can do on here.

Does that help at all?


Wanda