Expert: Rusty Meyers - 1/26/2011

Question
I have fumbled with ideas of job opportunities. I am 17 and a junior in high school. I want to be an actor. I have been apart of community theater and all my high school productions that have been available. Though my singing hasn't the most spot on, my drama instructor insists that i take acting seriously and strive to start auditioning for collage scholarships. I'm worried, very worried. I want to act, there's nothing id rather do. The trill of being on stage and portraying someone else's life. I would love to be apart of a film or anything like that. Im willing to dedicate my life to acting. But money is an issue. I cannot act like money doesn't matter in this world. If i major in theater what kind of backup plans do i have to fall on? Is majoring in acting or theater a gamble? Please help me with just details on what im getting myself into. Thanks -Jacob, Kansas City-

Answer
You are getting to the age that you should know if this is for you or not already.
If you haven't dabbled in film or tv, give it a shot, you may (or may not) like it as much, it's very different.
I would suggest doing every show (play/musical) you can and build up a resume and let the scholarships come in.
School is important to you learning (while doing) your craft.
I would also suggest that you look for a coach in your town that is in the industry and talk with them.
Make sure that he/she really is or was in the industry by looking them up on imdb.com or ibdb.com and don't just believe a personal website/s.
If you want to be a stage actor then you better not only brush up on your singing but also on your dance and learn to play an intrument as well.
75% of the stuff on Broadway are Musicals, so don't leave them out.
Is majoring in acting a gamble, not if you are any good at it.
There is no falling back if you are always trying to move forward.
Do it right or don't do it at all.