6 answers
Chloe
Student
Lake Wales, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
1245 views
How can I become an actress?
how can I become an actress when my mom wont let me. she thinks its a wast of time and money but I really want to do it. I'm only 15 but I really want to become a actress.
5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Chloe !
Although it may seem very distant and unreachable now, one day you can pursue the career of your dreams on your own and it won't matter what anyone thinks or says. You will need to find a way to do it, however and that will be based on your own personal circumstances.
Since you are in high school, you can be involved in the shows at school. Sometimes when unsupportive people start seeing you involved in it, it makes it real for them. I just never talked about it much beforehand and when I turned 18 and was on my own, far away from my birth town, I went to college as a Theatre Major with an emphasis on Acting. I took community acting classes also. I found that the minute I stepped foot into the Theatre Department, all I met were supportive people - young and older people, too. That is the key. For it to work, you need to be around like-minded and supportive people. You have the opportunity to start being involved with acting through high school - school plays, video productions and any shows that the school does. See if there is a theatre club or extracurricular at your high school. Take charge because these opportunities will require that you reach out.
For any type of non-support for anything in life, I have always found that when you discover someone is not supportive, no matter for what, just don't speak about it again with that person. You do not need permission to learn acting or to pursue it as a career. Sure, it's helpful to have the support, but many people do it whether they have the support from friends, professionals, teachers and not parents. Come to terms that you will never convince a parent to change their mind, so start being more independent in any way you can. Acting gets a bad rap because most people have not one clue about what the career is like and they base it on their imagination. Everyone's career as an actress is completely different and starts out differently, too.
So, read all you can about the career, join groups but do not start anything yet. You will need to be experienced and knowledgeable about the career before you start sending out photos/resumes/reels and are 100% available to accept a role. Do not put any of your images or information on any social media - it's not done that way and can cause issues. As you learn acting, your teachers will guide you in the right direction.
Consider if you'll take a college degree route or a community training route. I recommend the college experience as you will be around the business every day. Much more opportunity comes through the college route, too.
I hope this helps. Do return here if you have any more questions about Acting as a career as I would be happy to help !
Although it may seem very distant and unreachable now, one day you can pursue the career of your dreams on your own and it won't matter what anyone thinks or says. You will need to find a way to do it, however and that will be based on your own personal circumstances.
Since you are in high school, you can be involved in the shows at school. Sometimes when unsupportive people start seeing you involved in it, it makes it real for them. I just never talked about it much beforehand and when I turned 18 and was on my own, far away from my birth town, I went to college as a Theatre Major with an emphasis on Acting. I took community acting classes also. I found that the minute I stepped foot into the Theatre Department, all I met were supportive people - young and older people, too. That is the key. For it to work, you need to be around like-minded and supportive people. You have the opportunity to start being involved with acting through high school - school plays, video productions and any shows that the school does. See if there is a theatre club or extracurricular at your high school. Take charge because these opportunities will require that you reach out.
For any type of non-support for anything in life, I have always found that when you discover someone is not supportive, no matter for what, just don't speak about it again with that person. You do not need permission to learn acting or to pursue it as a career. Sure, it's helpful to have the support, but many people do it whether they have the support from friends, professionals, teachers and not parents. Come to terms that you will never convince a parent to change their mind, so start being more independent in any way you can. Acting gets a bad rap because most people have not one clue about what the career is like and they base it on their imagination. Everyone's career as an actress is completely different and starts out differently, too.
So, read all you can about the career, join groups but do not start anything yet. You will need to be experienced and knowledgeable about the career before you start sending out photos/resumes/reels and are 100% available to accept a role. Do not put any of your images or information on any social media - it's not done that way and can cause issues. As you learn acting, your teachers will guide you in the right direction.
Consider if you'll take a college degree route or a community training route. I recommend the college experience as you will be around the business every day. Much more opportunity comes through the college route, too.
I hope this helps. Do return here if you have any more questions about Acting as a career as I would be happy to help !
Thank you for the advice.
veronica fuentes
Agent, customer service
6
Answers
Alajuela, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Updated
veronica’s Answer
Hello Chloe,
First, it’s wonderful that you have such a clear passion for acting at 15 ,that’s a great age to start exploring your dreams! It’s common for parents to worry because they want the best for you and might not fully understand the acting world yet.
You don’t need big auditions or expensive classes right away. Try these steps:
Join your school drama club or local theater group.
Watch free or low-cost online acting classes (YouTube channels like “Acting Studio” or platforms like Skillshare).
Practice monologues or scenes at home.
Volunteer for small roles in community plays or student films.
This shows your mom you’re serious and responsible. Your mom likely worries about the time, money, and stability involved in acting. Show her you respect her concerns.
Try saying something like:
"Mom, I understand your worries, and I promise school comes first. But acting is my passion and I want to try it seriously while keeping my grades up. Can we agree on a schedule that works for both of us?"
Your passion is your power! Keep working quietly, show your commitment, and over time your mom may see how serious and responsible you are. Acting is a journey start building your skills now.
Hope this advise was useful, Good luck!
First, it’s wonderful that you have such a clear passion for acting at 15 ,that’s a great age to start exploring your dreams! It’s common for parents to worry because they want the best for you and might not fully understand the acting world yet.
You don’t need big auditions or expensive classes right away. Try these steps:
Join your school drama club or local theater group.
Watch free or low-cost online acting classes (YouTube channels like “Acting Studio” or platforms like Skillshare).
Practice monologues or scenes at home.
Volunteer for small roles in community plays or student films.
This shows your mom you’re serious and responsible. Your mom likely worries about the time, money, and stability involved in acting. Show her you respect her concerns.
Try saying something like:
"Mom, I understand your worries, and I promise school comes first. But acting is my passion and I want to try it seriously while keeping my grades up. Can we agree on a schedule that works for both of us?"
Your passion is your power! Keep working quietly, show your commitment, and over time your mom may see how serious and responsible you are. Acting is a journey start building your skills now.
Hope this advise was useful, Good luck!
Chris Ross Leong
Producer Writer Director DP Editor
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Chris Ross’s Answer
Chloe!
Now's the best time to start!
You're young, you have time to find out if you have the talent!
I'm assuming you've tried at school and/or your local community college(s) already? Have a look around if not yet.
There's some very excellent and inexpensive online acting courses over at UDemy (udemy.com), plus one classic USC course that Hollywood actress Nina Foch teaches how to direct actors. Excellent at seeing what the director is looking for and best to receive direction from them.
You're just south of a major city in FL so that's the place to look for acting parts.
No, they won't pay much in the beginning.
But eventually they will.
So the hardest part of all of this is... Mom.
So a question for you: what else do you want to do?
Like maybe take care of animals? Make things?
I'd do classes in that too, so you have a backup plan to make money while you're getting your headshots and your acting reel together, and until your acting income builds up enough so you don't have to rely on your backup any more. But it's sure useful to have, just in case.
That's about it, really.
Just do it. Get a sense of what's good and what's not, then where your strengths and work-on areas are, and, well, work on them!
Let us know how it goes!
All the best!
CRL
Now's the best time to start!
You're young, you have time to find out if you have the talent!
I'm assuming you've tried at school and/or your local community college(s) already? Have a look around if not yet.
There's some very excellent and inexpensive online acting courses over at UDemy (udemy.com), plus one classic USC course that Hollywood actress Nina Foch teaches how to direct actors. Excellent at seeing what the director is looking for and best to receive direction from them.
You're just south of a major city in FL so that's the place to look for acting parts.
No, they won't pay much in the beginning.
But eventually they will.
So the hardest part of all of this is... Mom.
So a question for you: what else do you want to do?
Like maybe take care of animals? Make things?
I'd do classes in that too, so you have a backup plan to make money while you're getting your headshots and your acting reel together, and until your acting income builds up enough so you don't have to rely on your backup any more. But it's sure useful to have, just in case.
That's about it, really.
Just do it. Get a sense of what's good and what's not, then where your strengths and work-on areas are, and, well, work on them!
Let us know how it goes!
All the best!
CRL
Bianca Siracusa
Event Marketing
2
Answers
Belgium
Updated
Bianca’s Answer
Hi Chloe! I'm glad you're asking about this. It's totally normal for parents to worry. When I was younger, I wanted to be a creative writer and later an anthropologist, but my dad always said those fields weren’t stable.
Now, at 27, I realize I should have explored my interests more. If you're passionate about acting, it's important to dive into it. Your parents want the best for you but see things differently. If you believe in yourself, show them you’re serious.
Try joining your school’s theatre group, use online resources to improve your skills, and talk to other young actors to see what they’re doing. Think about where you want to go in acting, like theatre, TV, or voice work, and plan your path. If college is in your future, find out what classes or skills you’ll need to pursue acting.
The more effort you put in, the more your mom might feel comfortable with your choice. Show her you’re committed, and I’m sure she’ll be more supportive.
Hope this helps!
Now, at 27, I realize I should have explored my interests more. If you're passionate about acting, it's important to dive into it. Your parents want the best for you but see things differently. If you believe in yourself, show them you’re serious.
Try joining your school’s theatre group, use online resources to improve your skills, and talk to other young actors to see what they’re doing. Think about where you want to go in acting, like theatre, TV, or voice work, and plan your path. If college is in your future, find out what classes or skills you’ll need to pursue acting.
The more effort you put in, the more your mom might feel comfortable with your choice. Show her you’re committed, and I’m sure she’ll be more supportive.
Hope this helps!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2438
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you would like to become an actress.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read books on acting techniques
2. Attend Acting classes
3. Watch some classical movies & dramas to observe the acting techniques of famous actress
4. Explore the entry criteria of famous performing arts schools. Work hard to meet the criteria
5. Explore the acting opportunities in drama, movies, musical, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read books on acting techniques
2. Attend Acting classes
3. Watch some classical movies & dramas to observe the acting techniques of famous actress
4. Explore the entry criteria of famous performing arts schools. Work hard to meet the criteria
5. Explore the acting opportunities in drama, movies, musical, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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