Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 5/31/2010

Question
Hi. I'm a thirteen-year-old from a fairly small town. I have been acting my whole life and I am starting to consider  a career in musical theater. If it helps, I am probably the best singer my age that I know, (and I know a lot of singers) and a good actress in most people's opinions. What kind of training should I have to reach that goal? I've only had two semesters of voice training and no acting lessons. Also, I'm homeschooled so I can fit a lot in my schedule if necessary. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question!

Answer
Hi Nikki.  Continue voice lessons, try to take dance lessons, basic ballet and jazz. There are several good university musical theatre performance majors and AMDA is a good professional conservatory.  You are considering the most difficult of careers.  Do all the research you can on the life of a musical theatre actor.  One place you can start is with my blog, read all the posts back to last August and anything else that interests you at www.kenplonkeyacting.com.  God bless, Doc