Expert: Peter Messaline - 4/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Peter,

I'm a 36 year old man and I've always had an interest in acting. It doesn't have to do with getting rich and famous, I have no control of that and I have no interest in that, but its because I love working with people. I'm fascinated by them in terms of what makes them tick and do the things that they do. It's about deciding what kind of person you want to be and what kind of person you don't want to be. It's about filling in the character's thoughts, ideas, wants, needs and goals. I'm especially fascinated by portraying villains in particular because they are the most interesting to play. But I would at least like to incorporate some shred of humanity in each of them so they will be a fully fleshed out character. By transforming into the people I've encountered in my life, I not only begin to understand them better as individuals, but I also will understand myself a great deal in the long run. I am interested in performing in theater, tv, films and especially, voice-over acting.

Anyway, I had to stop taking acting lessons due to the harsh practicalities of life, but I'm planning to get back into it because my heart is tugging at me to pursue it. I have a secure job to help pay for the acting lessons, but I'm beginning to think I'm too old to start an acting at age 36.

What do you think? How do you think I should proceed?


Best regards,

Julian

ANSWER: Thirty-six is not too old to start, but I should advise against it.
Even a wildly successful actor actually spends very little of his career acting.
And for the other 90%, it can sometimes seem that auditions are our only outlet.

Your age will count against you as far as taking full training goes: colleges would want to see quite a lot of self-generated public performance before they let you in.

I would suggest searching for a reasonably accessible community theatre, to get stage time; a local film course, who are always looking for warm bodies for their graduate productions; and the nearest theatre Fringe Festival. These Festivals attract people like you, and those who want to direct, or produce, or keep the books, or build sets. Any of these options will start to build a network of people who know your work and who may mention you to someone else who is searching. At least you will begin to get news about what's coming up, so that you can prepare to audition for it.

Get your acting muscles honed by use, and delight in being able to take an active part in many productions a year without having to worry about paying the rent.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again.

I have a couple of more questions.

I used to live in New York but now I live in Florida. I'm seriously considering moving back to New York or I may decide to go to California.

1. But seeing how the latter is in serious economic turmoil, do you think I am better off in New York?

2. How does one deal with difficult people in terms of actors' etiquette?


Best regards,

Julian

Answer
As far as relocating goes, I suggest reading as much of Bonnie Gillespie as you can find.
Here's a start: http://tinyurl.com/lsggtk
In brief she says stay where you are until you have a very good résumé and some personal recommendations from directors and agents nearer home. The competition in LA and NYC is unbelievable -- there is wailing and gnashing of teeth when you fail to get seen for an unpaid two days in New Jersey.

There is no actor's etiquette about difficult people. Everything you already know still applies, except that you are way down on the totem pole again. There is danger in getting used to sucking it up, but sometimes it's all you can do.

Please, don't try to shortcut your journey to acting fulfillment.