AboutWanda Reinholdt Expertise Questions about how to tap into the richness that is inside you/ find confidence in life and work. Questions about how to create a plan and run with it. Questions about directing and acting and singing. I am not a modeling expert and would prefer that these questions are taken to other experts. Have a long history in piano, voice, acting and directing stage.
Experience Study of coaching and the application of it for 3 years; own theatre arts business for almost 8 years; Directing Canada and United States in both community and semi-professional arenas
Education/Credentials personally mentored for 8 years; professionally coached for 4 years; BA in Music and Theatre
Question Hi, and i really want to become an actress. I have little experience (close to none) and have already talked to my parents about becoming an actress. I live in NYC and everybody says this is the place to start... this or LA/ Hollywood. My question is how long do you think it will take before i am actually on commercials/TV shows/ movies? I am really dedicated in my choice of career and am willing to push threw many obstacles to finally get the work i so badly want. Me and my dad have already looked into lots of schools here and are saving up money. But how long do you think it will take for me to finally be doing the thing i love most... Which is acting. Oh and i am 14 turning 15 soon. I've wanted to become an actress for a super long time... can someone please answer my question???
Signed ~Impatient~
Answer Hello, Cearia. Thanks for writing.
Well the first thing I can tell you is that you need to quit being impatient (you signed your question "Impatient"). That will not help in the least. When you start auditioning and such for shows, it will show up because you will appear very needy and desperate. You don't want to appear that way. Great attitude goes 1000 miles when it comes to this industry - whether theatre or film. Directors will not even look at you if you come across this way. What they are looking for is a person that will make their job as a Director easier. (As a Director myself, I rarely will hire someone who has the attitude like you have. That is a compromise and will hurt the production overall.)
And regarding patience, if you start regularly auditioning and taking classes and are persistent and steady in your work on this, it will come for you. But there is no timeline. Everyone is different. It's about who you know and about just getting out there on a regular basis.
Don't put a timeline on this. Be faithful with what you do and have a good attitude. Be willing to meet people and do it consistently and hone your skill.
The second thing I can tell you is that it is great that you have started to save money and that you have the support of your parents. That is good.
Take classes in your high school or move to a high school that has drama. Focus on acting there and audition for school shows - a great place to start.
Go to shows.
Read.
Go to workshops.
Just work on it. It will come when it is right for you.
