Expert: Michelle Renee Krehl - 1/4/2010

Question
Hi,i was wondering...well i live in Saginaw,Mi....and i want to get in an acting career really bad but yet again im only 11. i don't know any agencies to get an agent,and i know i'll need to go to LA or something (thats FINE with me!!) but i just need to know where to go!!

Answer
Hello Natalie!

Being an actor is an exciting career! I know that many young people your age have this dream and wonder how to get started. You are right about getting an agent, most child and teen actors have agency representation, as that is how they are sent to auditions.

You do, however, have to be realistic. Living in Michigan it will be difficult to get an agent or many acting jobs, as there is not much being filmed there. At your age, you really need for your parents to be on board with your dream and supportive of it. This means many things, among them would be being close to where the acting roles are. Some families spend part of the time in Los Angeles or New York, often when the school year is not in session and "test the waters". Being very financially sound is important for this and many people do not have the income to spend several months taking off work and maintaining another apartment or living for a few months in a hotel. A parent must be available to take you everywhere, including auditions or shoot locations.

I can recommend that you do a few things at this age. I would recommend that you participate in any type of drama program that you can, either in school or in community theater. Also, if there is anywhere in your area to take commercial or improvisational acting classes I would do that too. You need to gain some experience and stage and camera time and see if you have ability in this area. Many poeple think it sounds fun until they realize the hours of work they must commit to and this often means being away from home or your friends for long periods of time.

Please remember one thing, education always comes first. If there is any possibility of local work, there are agencies in Michigan, however they are small and might not have many jobs, but you can check out some in Detroit if your parents are willing to support you in this.

Best of luck!

Michelle