Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/15/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Phil,
My name is Mary and I am a high school student in a small town. I am told I am a talented vocalist and I am taking voice lessons. I have always dreamed of working for Disney Resort or the musical film for Disney. I would like to know what I should do to be eligible for roles (voice or otherwise) in films. I am especially interested in voicing animated films. What should my goals be to pursue this kind of career.
ANSWER: Mary,

Thanks for writing. You're eligible for roles in films right now. Anyone can be cast in a film assuming that the director and producers believe they are right for the role.

But if you want to be taken seriously, then your first step is to enroll in a top-notch acting program at a reputable university in order to receive proper acting training. Once you've completed your four years in a BFA program, then you need to move to Los Angeles, secure an agent, and begin auditioning for roles. That's how it's done.

Good luck!

Phil




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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your reply. Do you have any suggestions for universities or other colleges for me to look into?

Answer
Yes. Carnegie Mellon, NYU, Julliard, Webster College, BU, Brandeis, SMU, NC School for the Arts, Univ of Washington at Seattle and Cal Arts are ALL terrific universities in which one can earn a BFA degree in acting. Some, like Carnegie Mellon, also have BFA degrees in music theatre as well.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil