Expert: Kitty Kavey - 12/17/2006

Question
  Dear Kitty,

     Lately I’ve been very interested in acting. I just turned 14, about 5' 8 1/2", and weigh about 150lbs and live in Atlanta, GA. I have no previous experience so my mom wants to get me started by entering pageants. I’ve also made plans to join an acting class soon and the drama club at my school next semester. I just want to know if this is a good way for me to get started.
  Another question that I had is if it’s harder for African Americans to get into the acting business. I know it’s a hard job and it takes a lot of commitment but, I just was wondering if race may have affect on how far I might get. And just in case I missed something, is there anything else I might want to keep in mind?
  
           Thank you very much,
                  Bria


Answer
I think the acting class and drama club is a terrific idea.  Pageants can be fun - but tend to be more modeling than acting.  Once you're comfortable auditioning, there's no reason why you can't go out and get an agent and begin to work.  There are many actors your age and younger, and Atlanta does have both modeling and acting work - of course not as much as NYC or LA, but it can be a great place to get started and gain experience.  It is somewhat more of a challenge for minorities to work in acting, as there are fewer roles available for them.  Over 70% of the roles in TV and film go to Caucasian actors.  That doesn't mean you can't get to be a star with plenty of work, there are certainly quite a few examples of African Americans who work constantly and whose names are well-known.
As to whether you are on the right path - if you are doing something you love, and the work fulfills you, makes you happy, keep doing it until it doesn't.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty