Expert: Rusty Meyers - 4/6/2010

Question
Hi Rusty!
So I am in college now, I attend Temple University.  I DO NOT ever plan on dropping out of school, I love college.  I am 25, I went to school through the birth of my son, and am totally committed to education.  THAT being said, I have put a lot of my dreams on hold.  I have always wanted to be an actress.  I don't necessarily care how much money I make, but I want to do something I love to do that doesn't involve school, motherhood, a meaningless job until I can get a better one, etc.  I took some acting courses in college, and had so much fun.  I am actually very talented in acting.  My acting professor has frequently offered me numerous parts in plays at "The People's Light and Theater" (where I live).  My question is:  How do I get started in the acting field?  I want to get an agent, but am not sure this is the right step.  I don't have much experience.  For whatever reason, especially now that I'm older, I cannot seem to quiet that little voice in my head that tells me that I am "supposed" to act.  Am I too old for an acting career??  I'm 25.  I asked my drama instructor what I should do, and he told me to change my major to drama.  This is NOT something I want to do, because I worry that after school, things might not work out with that degree.  I have a child that I need to consider, otherwise, I am MORE than willing to do that major, move to NY, waitress, and be broke until I can get "discovered"!  What is your advice?? I KNOW this is something I am meant to do.  Thanks!

Answer
Talk to an acting coach outside of school, who has actually been in (or is still) the business.

Make sure that you look them up on imdb.com to see if they really are in the business.

If you are talking about "theatre" acting, then do as much as you can before making that NY trip, you need the experience and lots of it to compete with NY actors.

Yes you are too old to start, but not to old to finish.

You may have just finally realized that you had talent in this "acting" thing.

Now find out if it's really for you.

Some think that this is what they want, but they don't want to do any of the work to get it.

So if your acting professor is offereing you parts take them, take them all.

I'm not so sure about the being a broke waitress (especially with a child) is a smart way to go.