Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 8/22/2010

Question
Ok well, i'm 14 and i would love to become an actress!! Just reading about acting makes me cry about how much i want to be an actress! Ok well to start an acting career, do i have to be in an agency first and then they show be acting opputunitys or can i be like 'Mum can you take me to this acting job audition without any agency??
I have heard so much different stuff and i would just want to know! My mum and dad isnt that supportive of me so i told her i will move to america and start a career then when i'm 18 if i have to!!

Answer
Hello Sarah, Well, you have packed a lot into your question. Let's start with the fact that nearly all fourteen year old girls want to be actresses and they all feel as passionate about it as you do. They do that because they do not realize what having an acting career is like. I urge you to go to www.kenplonkeyacting.com and read my entire blog back a year and learn more about it.  Next, getting an agent is not the first step. The first step is becoming an actress in your school an community plays. Incidentally, there is hardly any professional work for young teens and most of what you hear is probably wrong. The most important thing that is needed to become a teen actress is the active support of your parents working hard to make it happen for you. That is how teens become actors because they cannot sign contracts until they are 18. Finally, you cannot act professionally in the US unless you are a citizen, have a green card or are a visiting star. My advice to you you is to slow down and work your way slowly through preparation and learning. If you are in a hurry, it makes you liable to be scammed. There are a couple of noted acting academies in Australia and you should start preparing yourself to attend one of them. Best wishes and God bless, Doc