Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 7/25/2009

Question
I am a 14 year old girl. I love acting at my school and doing plays or anything that involves acting. My theater teacher played favorites A LOT! So i wouldn't get the parts i usually deserved. I can sing well but not as good as others. I guess my question is...... how do I become a successful actress with no coach and not a lot of traveling.

Answer
Hi there, Lyndsy...And thanks for writing.

It's great that you like to do these things - act and sing.  And it's unfortunate that your teacher played favorites if that is indeed what she was doing.  

However, I am concerned that you think you deserved a part.  You may well have deserved it.  However, it is really essential that you not blame someone else but that you trust that they made the best decision for the show.  Your teacher is responsible for the shows she put together.  She may have not picked you because you were not ready.  AND we never DESERVE roles.  We EARN them.  They are GIFTS.

I know that that might not be what you want to hear.  However, the reality is that when we put shows together as Directors, we answer for them and need to pick the best person.  If an artist of any sort shows attitude
about the choice it means that they are not ready to be a team player.  Most of the time, I take attitude over skill. Your teacher probably did the same.

So the bottom line is that I would not have ch
osen you either if you think you are not being realistic about where you are at in your skill.

So...
How can you become more teachable?  How can you get to the place where you trust the leaders that have been put above you?  THAT is what will make a huge difference in your work in the arts.  

As for becoming successful, you need to find classes, workshops, opportunities and just keep learning from each of them.  If you are willing to work and learn and develop, you will do well.  Find a coach, go where you need to in your area to do this.  Don't sacrifice your schooling for this either. That should be #1.  And definitely always honor and respect your parents in their wishes.

Does that help?

Wanda