Expert: Phil Nemy - 2/26/2010

Question
Hi Phil, my name is Kayleigh and I just turned 20 a month ago. I live in a small town in southwest Iowa. I have dreamed of acting since I was about 6 and discovered what it was. I have little experience from high school plays (always extra not a major role) and plan to attend a community college in the fall for a two years to get my associate in art majoring in theatre. I know what I want and have done a lot of research and continue to. I'm sure you're wondering why I waited two years to go to college and what the question is so... I am a single mother of a two and a half year old and a one year old. I really want to move to LA to pursue my dreams, goals,an career. With all things to consider I struggle to find the answer. It's what I truly want and dream of and that is all the reason to say yes go for it, but with two kids, no help, no finances to get there, not knowing anyone, all the time and effort that has to be put in (which I'm so willing to do) with two kids to care for, I could go on and on with my worries but the point being is that I have so many and I have to consider them and what right for my children. So my question is do I proceed and continue to reach for my dreams and do all I can or should I look at something else, is it to risky to do with two kids. I know it's a hard business to get into and many inspiring actors never even see there 15 minutes of fame but it is so hard to let your one and only dream go.  your advice will be greatly appreciated thank you for your time sorry for such a long note.

Answer
Kayleigh,

Thanks for writing. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond - I've been out of town on business and just got back today.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but with two children your age, I would not recommend pursuing an acting career. It will require too much of your time, to much energy, too much time away from your children, not to mention the cost of having to hire a babysitter so often.

If I were you, and wanted to be the best mother to my children that I could be, I'd wait until such time as they are in grade school and you have time free during the day to pursue auditions. Meaning, you're looking at about 8 years before you should even think about this.

Good luck!

Phil