7 answers
Allison
Student
Sandy, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
1701 views
How do i start acting as a 14yrld girl in Oregon with some stage experiencebut a lot of stage fright? And how to i get my strict parents so allow me to go into the entertainment industry to do what i love?
I am going into 9th grade but am taking multiple 10th grade advanced core classes.(math, ela, science.) In the past I have been in multiple ballet performances and 2 acting performances, both as the lead. This year I signed up for the acting class at Sandy Highschool Or. I also enjoy singing and dancing. (Advice from younger actors around my age would really help but any advice will be happily taken.)
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7 answers
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2438
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Appreciate you passion on performing art.
It is very common to have stage fright.
1. Practice more so that you can sing / dance without thinking
2. Do more rehearsal on the real stage
3. Look at the far side of the audience instead of those close to you
4. Take a deep breath before stepping out to the stage
On the other hand, prepare your plan on performing arts, e.g.
- Identify the performing arts academy you have interest
- Find out entry criteria and how do you meet the criteria
- Prepare your future career development plan
- Have a open discussion with your parents
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
It is very common to have stage fright.
1. Practice more so that you can sing / dance without thinking
2. Do more rehearsal on the real stage
3. Look at the far side of the audience instead of those close to you
4. Take a deep breath before stepping out to the stage
On the other hand, prepare your plan on performing arts, e.g.
- Identify the performing arts academy you have interest
- Find out entry criteria and how do you meet the criteria
- Prepare your future career development plan
- Have a open discussion with your parents
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Allison
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Allison !
For starters, just keep doing what you are already doing - audition for all the shows and plays AT SCHOOL. Community Theatre, once in a blue moon, will perhaps sometimes do a play that has your age range, however, you would not be cast as a 14 year old, you'd be cast for the age you look.
I'll tell you what I did and it may be frustrating or it may prove to be inspiring, but for what it's worth, it worked out perfectly. From your age till I was 18, I spent the time gaining social and life experience, a work ethic, discernment and set values. These are all qualities one needs in order to have a focused and realistic experience as a future professional actress.
I entered college as a Theatre Major and in those four years, the opportunities were abundant and I wasn't even in New York or Los Angeles. I highly recommend taking an academic route to learn acting and theatre is a foundational base that will give you the instincts and intuition for other media. You can always take acting classes for film and television, too.
After I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Theatre, I moved to Hollywood, CA and obtained a non-acting career job in professional Theatre at which there were more acting opportunities due to the contacts I made there! Going to college for theatre/acting also provided me with enormous contacts that made my move to Hollywood very easy (this was decades ago). So, in short - wait until you are 18. At 14 years old, your unsupportive parent would have to agree to pay for all your expenses, drive you to and from projects, possible travel with you, you'd miss a lot of school and you still need to learn a great deal about how the entertainment industry works and that comes with time.
So, for now, just interact with your current school and explore any video clubs at high school that use actors for videos, too. Part of the interesting and fun part of developing into a professional actress is working on the projects in your local area and getting a variety of experiences. I know, I waited a long time. I wanted to start when I was 6 years old, but I lived in an acting desert and both my parents had no time to oversee a child actors' career. So, I waited until it was doable, had my drivers license, my own car and enrolled in college where I was around acting every day.
As for stage fright, experience will allow you to overcome that most likely. Just remember, people want to know your character, want to know what the character has to say and you are a vital component of the show. Your audience wants to sit back, relax, be entertained and your part helps them think about life. Think of this before you go on stage and you will realize how important you are. It's not about people looking at you or fear, it's about being part of a very unique story that you help create. It's not about you on that stage - it's about a well-defined creation that you have developed as only you can.
So, do not underestimate the experiences that you can have in high school. There's a lot to learn. Then when you attend college, you'll see that at college you'll have a very supportive acting family in the Theatre Department ! Best wishes to you and I hope this helps !
For starters, just keep doing what you are already doing - audition for all the shows and plays AT SCHOOL. Community Theatre, once in a blue moon, will perhaps sometimes do a play that has your age range, however, you would not be cast as a 14 year old, you'd be cast for the age you look.
I'll tell you what I did and it may be frustrating or it may prove to be inspiring, but for what it's worth, it worked out perfectly. From your age till I was 18, I spent the time gaining social and life experience, a work ethic, discernment and set values. These are all qualities one needs in order to have a focused and realistic experience as a future professional actress.
I entered college as a Theatre Major and in those four years, the opportunities were abundant and I wasn't even in New York or Los Angeles. I highly recommend taking an academic route to learn acting and theatre is a foundational base that will give you the instincts and intuition for other media. You can always take acting classes for film and television, too.
After I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Theatre, I moved to Hollywood, CA and obtained a non-acting career job in professional Theatre at which there were more acting opportunities due to the contacts I made there! Going to college for theatre/acting also provided me with enormous contacts that made my move to Hollywood very easy (this was decades ago). So, in short - wait until you are 18. At 14 years old, your unsupportive parent would have to agree to pay for all your expenses, drive you to and from projects, possible travel with you, you'd miss a lot of school and you still need to learn a great deal about how the entertainment industry works and that comes with time.
So, for now, just interact with your current school and explore any video clubs at high school that use actors for videos, too. Part of the interesting and fun part of developing into a professional actress is working on the projects in your local area and getting a variety of experiences. I know, I waited a long time. I wanted to start when I was 6 years old, but I lived in an acting desert and both my parents had no time to oversee a child actors' career. So, I waited until it was doable, had my drivers license, my own car and enrolled in college where I was around acting every day.
As for stage fright, experience will allow you to overcome that most likely. Just remember, people want to know your character, want to know what the character has to say and you are a vital component of the show. Your audience wants to sit back, relax, be entertained and your part helps them think about life. Think of this before you go on stage and you will realize how important you are. It's not about people looking at you or fear, it's about being part of a very unique story that you help create. It's not about you on that stage - it's about a well-defined creation that you have developed as only you can.
So, do not underestimate the experiences that you can have in high school. There's a lot to learn. Then when you attend college, you'll see that at college you'll have a very supportive acting family in the Theatre Department ! Best wishes to you and I hope this helps !
Thomas Daniel
Write, act, edit video, and art
6
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I think you should train more before you get into professional acting. Take plenty of classes and learn from people in your local area. Strict parents are tough, but at least they're being concerned for you. Waiting until you're at least 18 before getting your big role is wise.
Matthew Bearor
Stage Manager/ Light Tech
7
Answers
Blue Island, Illinois
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
You’re already doing an amazing job! Keep up with your dance and drama classes—that’s a great start. If you can, try adding some voice lessons too. That will put you on the path to being a true “triple threat” (acting, singing, and dancing).
Here’s something important to know: acting isn’t just about talent. Talent helps, but acting is really a craft. That means it takes a lot of practice, learning, and dedication to get better. Keep working hard and stay curious.
And don’t stress too much about what your parents think right now. In just a few years, you’ll be making your own choices. For now, focus on learning and growing—you’re building an amazing foundation for your future!
Seak out singing lessons, or join your school choir.
Here’s something important to know: acting isn’t just about talent. Talent helps, but acting is really a craft. That means it takes a lot of practice, learning, and dedication to get better. Keep working hard and stay curious.
And don’t stress too much about what your parents think right now. In just a few years, you’ll be making your own choices. For now, focus on learning and growing—you’re building an amazing foundation for your future!
Matthew recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Allison
Aaron Bass
artist-educator
17
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Patience is the key.
Stage fright goes away with regular exposure. I used to get nausea before public speaking and I had a stammer. Now I regularly give lectures and am at the point that I don't use notes at all.
With your parents...you don't have to convince them. Take theater as an elective for now. When you go to college you can make it your major, just plan on applying for financial aid and living on campus, so your college choices are yours alone.
Stage fright goes away with regular exposure. I used to get nausea before public speaking and I had a stammer. Now I regularly give lectures and am at the point that I don't use notes at all.
With your parents...you don't have to convince them. Take theater as an elective for now. When you go to college you can make it your major, just plan on applying for financial aid and living on campus, so your college choices are yours alone.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Allison
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Allison,
You are still very young and you have already started taking the right steps and learn about acting and performing. There is no need to rush it. Taking acting classes in high-school is a great move that will allow you to gain experience and broaden your skill set. Since you performed in ballet performances, I assume you are also still taking ballet lessons?
There are also other options in your neighborhood to learn and practice acting and performing:
https://sandyactorstheatre.com/2025-youth-program-.html
https://actingforkidsandteens.com/advanced-teen-acting-program/
https://www.octc.org/classes
If your parents allow it, you can participate in theater camps and theater classes outside of school. By the time you graduate from high-school, you'll have a better idea if this career is something you want to pursue or if it should stay a fun hobby. And you'll be old enough to make your own decisions.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You are still very young and you have already started taking the right steps and learn about acting and performing. There is no need to rush it. Taking acting classes in high-school is a great move that will allow you to gain experience and broaden your skill set. Since you performed in ballet performances, I assume you are also still taking ballet lessons?
There are also other options in your neighborhood to learn and practice acting and performing:
https://sandyactorstheatre.com/2025-youth-program-.html
https://actingforkidsandteens.com/advanced-teen-acting-program/
https://www.octc.org/classes
If your parents allow it, you can participate in theater camps and theater classes outside of school. By the time you graduate from high-school, you'll have a better idea if this career is something you want to pursue or if it should stay a fun hobby. And you'll be old enough to make your own decisions.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Shannon Murphy
Technical Software
2
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
When you feel nervous, it can be tough to breathe and express your emotions clearly. To overcome stage fright, try taking deep breaths and centering yourself before stepping on stage. Jumping up and down and wiggling your fingers can help release extra energy. Instead of focusing on the audience, concentrate on your character and their experiences. This can help you forget you're on stage.
If you're thinking about acting as a career, keep taking classes, join school plays, and try voice lessons too. Being skilled in acting, singing, and dancing is still important in the industry. Look for community plays and musicals to gain more experience. Eventually, you can join the actors' union, which can help you find paid acting jobs.
If you're thinking about acting as a career, keep taking classes, join school plays, and try voice lessons too. Being skilled in acting, singing, and dancing is still important in the industry. Look for community plays and musicals to gain more experience. Eventually, you can join the actors' union, which can help you find paid acting jobs.
Thank you! This really helps so much!
Allison