Expert: Peter Messaline - 10/15/2010

Question
Hi,
I am a 19 year old guy from Montreal and I would like to act. I have never done any acting and haven't taken any classes.

I was wondering if you could tell me how to start. Should I take classes? Can I still audition even though I have no experience? Where can I find casting calls for Canada, or more specifically Montreal?

Thank You  

Answer
If you want to act, your best plan is to find an amateur group, or some beginner classes, like those that city Parks and Rec or local colleges often give. You'll soon find out if the nerves are worth it for the joy when something really works.
Being a professional actor doesn't require acting ability nearly as much as it does the ability to handle the uncertainty and guaranteed low income the choice will give you. You will almost certainly do less acting, of a lower level, than you would in a drama club.
If you decide that acting is still good when you've done some, and if you enjoy being an entrepreneur selling yourself, then training becomes a choice to make.
Most Canadian actors started in a drama course somewhere. These courses are very hard work, long days and six days a week. Much like being a medical student. What you end up with besides some knowledge of actor skills, is a body of work representing the best possible professional years, and a network of fellow-students and visiting faculty, who can allow you to hit the profession running.
Studios offer courses, but they are unlikely to be useful except to give you a specific skill -- tapdancing, improv, Shakespeare, singing. The teacher may have a good enough reputation to be able to persuade local casting directors and agents to consider you.

Approach acting carefully and realise that the commitment to professionalism means a lot of hard preparation and then a career full of nearly-cast disappointments.

It works for me, but you'll have to judge for yourself.
Luck
Peter M