Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 9/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: hey just want to ask... what's the requirements to become an actress? i mean like, what do I need to take while im in highschool? because I went to see the website of HUMBER COLLEGE and it says that the requirements is only ENGLISH GR.12 ... Is that only it? ok thanks :D


ANSWER: Hey Janessa,
Congrats on being interested in acting.  I wish you all the best as you look to your future.  

Most universities and colleges that I have run across or been affiliated with in my career have been looking for your English Grade 12, yes.  Graduating with a good grade in this class is important.  

You have the right idea when looking ahead to your future - looking to see what the college or university requires.  That's a really good thing to do.  

How could you do this kind of research even more thoroughly so that you know that you are ready to enter an acting program?  Here are some ideas for you but I am sure that you can come up with your own because you already have :) - oh and a career counselor at your school could probably help as well:

I would like to strongly encourage you to choose a few more college or universities and look at their requirements for their acting.  If there is any difference, then you know and can take the required classes now so that you have more options upon graduating.

I would also suggest that you look up/ look for colleges and  universities that are known for their acting and theatre.  Going to a reputable college or university is a good idea as well if you are able to do that.

The other thing that I would suggest you do is take theatre classes in high school and get some experience.  If you don't have a theatre opportunity in your high school, maybe try to get some experience in a community theatre so that you show that you are interested in developing your skills.   

I hope this helps you.

Feel free to ask any other questions.

Keep well!

Wanda

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

QUESTION: Thanks Wanda!
I have one more question. if you don't mind :P
hehe, Cus after I graduated from college. I'm planning to go to Japan for Audition cus I want to become a Japanese actress. But I don't know what their rules are. Do i have to speak Japanese fluently? and about the resume, if i go to audition. does it have to be fill in? like the information about if you have work experience and stuff... what if you don't have one but you still got your diploma in Acting. Do you think thats okay? or it's better to have work experience.


Answer
Hi Janessa...Japan eh?  Well, that is kind of out of my league.  I know nothing about Japanese theatre or the industry there.  

And it sounds like you don't either.  So that is where I would start.  Find a Japanese person who speaks English and ask them if they know anything about Japanese theatre or if they know someone who does.  Then ask them your questions.  

How else could you research Japanese theatre?  Online, books...

Before you do that, though, are you sure you want to go into Japanese theatre?  Why Japanese?  What is the attraction?  

Regarding auditioning, it is like applying for a job.  When you audition for something, they want to see what you have done.  That's why I encouraged you to get some experience in high school and/or community theatre.  

And I think it would be a great idea to first of all get some training here and some experience here before you go to Japan so that you are confident in your skills and can better audition.

By going to Japan, you are going to be moving away from your friends and family that are here.  So having confidence and an understanding of what it is going to take both here and there would be to your advantage.

I hope that helps.

Wanda