5 answers
Cassandra
Student
Sweetwater, Texas
2
Questions
Updated
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What do I do when everyone is telling me to get a "realistic career plan"? #Fall25
Hello! I'm only a freshman in highschool but I have always known that I wanted to do something in Arts, a/v technology & communications career cluster. I just now found out what I want to do in that cluster, I want to to be in the film industry. Whether it's acting on stage in front of a live audience or acting in movies/TV shows. I joined the highschool theater this year for the first time and got a major role in the Fall production. I can tell you that I have never been so proud and happy when we perform together, on a stage, in front of lots of people. The entire cast and crew put a lot of work and time into that production and it was the best feeling in the world, every single part of it. I told my parents that I would like to continue doing that as a career and get into a good college to pursue that career. All they could tell me is that it was probably not going to happen for lots of reasons sushi as: "we don't have money to afford a good college for you", "That is an unrealistic job that has high demand", and "It's probably best that you just start looking for another REALISTIC job that will be easier for you to pursue". How do I still pursue what I love doing and get money to save up for a good film college, while my parents keep telling me not to?
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5 answers
Breck Sullivan-Carpenter
Costume Designer
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Breck’s Answer
Honestly? When I faced this in high school, I touched base with my drama coach and music director and had a great few conversations. (Turns out my Mom did as well, unbeknownst to me :>) I was encouraged to pursue my dream but have a back door option to make money in-between. Do all the things in high school - act/tech/stage hand.. all of it! And as a high schooler, keep you grades going as well, there are schools/colleges/universities who do offer scholarships for theatre majors.
I have never regretted my choices, even switching from on-stage talent to backstage talent. That occurred in college, suddenly costuming clicked for me.
You should have a plan for the 'what-ifs' but if you are going for the theatre world, COMMIT. That's the biggest and hardest lesson I think. I chose no/small money summer stock jobs instead of 'real world' gigs. I left the band I was fronting just as they started getting real play time in the Boston music scene and ate a lot of cheap food. Never regretted it, loved all the memories, all the hard work and at 69 I am about to jump in feet first again. You have a few years, but experiences in all the realms of acting are never a bad thing. GOOD LUCK!
Look outside high school for experience, check local /regional theatres for auditions. Look for local casting calls for extras if anything films in your area. See what's available for summer stock in the area, often they may pffer unpaid interships and any legit experience is good experience.
Look to see what schools offer drama/theatre scholarships. Check the requirements for applying so you can prepare.
Never turn down a chance to learn something new, but be careful of shysters. Sad but true but they are out there with cheesy class offers, etc.
I have never regretted my choices, even switching from on-stage talent to backstage talent. That occurred in college, suddenly costuming clicked for me.
You should have a plan for the 'what-ifs' but if you are going for the theatre world, COMMIT. That's the biggest and hardest lesson I think. I chose no/small money summer stock jobs instead of 'real world' gigs. I left the band I was fronting just as they started getting real play time in the Boston music scene and ate a lot of cheap food. Never regretted it, loved all the memories, all the hard work and at 69 I am about to jump in feet first again. You have a few years, but experiences in all the realms of acting are never a bad thing. GOOD LUCK!
Breck recommends the following next steps:
Jacob Steiner
Cinematographer
15
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Cassandra,
If you want this career, it is of my opinion that you're going to have to work pursue it, and I mean pursue it. I understand the position of your parents. In my opinion, it is of the utmost importance that you honor your parents while pursuing your career at the same time. There are plenty of famous actors who started as waiters and had low-paying jobs before they broke into the industry. But, they were persistent, and they never gave up. That's what's important.
There are a lot of film opportunities in Texas. If I were you, I would head to film festivals and meet other filmmakers. From there, you could potentially make your way onto set and start getting experience. There's also this place called Capernum Studios in Poolville. They have opportunities as well. Keep pursuing, and don't give up!
I hope this helps.
If you want this career, it is of my opinion that you're going to have to work pursue it, and I mean pursue it. I understand the position of your parents. In my opinion, it is of the utmost importance that you honor your parents while pursuing your career at the same time. There are plenty of famous actors who started as waiters and had low-paying jobs before they broke into the industry. But, they were persistent, and they never gave up. That's what's important.
There are a lot of film opportunities in Texas. If I were you, I would head to film festivals and meet other filmmakers. From there, you could potentially make your way onto set and start getting experience. There's also this place called Capernum Studios in Poolville. They have opportunities as well. Keep pursuing, and don't give up!
I hope this helps.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Cassandra. It can be really tough when your parents or others tell you that your dream job isn't realistic. You love acting and want to work in the film industry, but your parents are worried about things like money and job stability. They care about you and want what's best, but it doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream.
First, you need to understand your parents' concerns. They're worried about the challenges you might face, like not having enough money for college or having a hard time getting a job in the arts. These are common worries for parents, but that doesn't mean you can't still pursue your dream. Many people make successful careers in film and acting, even if it's not always easy. What's realistic for one person isn't always the same for another, and you can make your dream work while being smart about how you plan for it.
One way to do this is by balancing your passion with practical steps. You don't have to give up on acting, but you can look for ways to support yourself while working toward your goal. For example, you can consider getting a part-time job during high school that can help you save money for college. You could look for flexible jobs, like working at a theater or even teaching younger kids acting. This way, you can start saving money and also get more experience in the field.
Another thing to do is look for affordable colleges. Many schools offer scholarships or financial aid for students who want to study the arts. You don't need to go to a super expensive school to get a good education. Instead, look for schools that have good film programs but also offer lower tuition or good financial help.
First, you need to understand your parents' concerns. They're worried about the challenges you might face, like not having enough money for college or having a hard time getting a job in the arts. These are common worries for parents, but that doesn't mean you can't still pursue your dream. Many people make successful careers in film and acting, even if it's not always easy. What's realistic for one person isn't always the same for another, and you can make your dream work while being smart about how you plan for it.
One way to do this is by balancing your passion with practical steps. You don't have to give up on acting, but you can look for ways to support yourself while working toward your goal. For example, you can consider getting a part-time job during high school that can help you save money for college. You could look for flexible jobs, like working at a theater or even teaching younger kids acting. This way, you can start saving money and also get more experience in the field.
Another thing to do is look for affordable colleges. Many schools offer scholarships or financial aid for students who want to study the arts. You don't need to go to a super expensive school to get a good education. Instead, look for schools that have good film programs but also offer lower tuition or good financial help.
Breck Sullivan-Carpenter
Costume Designer
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Breck’s Answer
Honestly? When I faced this in high school, I touched base with my drama coach and music director and had a great few conversations. (Turns out my Mom did as well, unbeknownst to me :>) But I was encouraged to pursue my dream but have a back door option to make money in-between. Do all the things in high school - act/tech/stage hand.. all of it! And as a high schooler, keep you grades going as well, there are schools/colleges/universities who do offer scholarships for theatre majors.
I have never regretted my choices, even switching from on-stage talent to backstage talent. That occurred in college, suddenly costuming clicked for me.
You should have a plan for the 'what-ifs' but if you are going for the theatre world, COMMIT. That's the biggest and hardest lesson I think. I chose no/small money summer stock jobs instead of 'real world' gigs. I left the band I was fronting just as they started getting real play time in the Boston music scene and ate a lot of cheap food. Never regretted it, loved all the memories, all the hard work and at 69 I am about to jump in feet first again. You have a few years, but experiences in all the realms of acting are never a bad thing. GOOD LUCK!
Look outside high school for experience, check local /regional theatres for auditions. Look for local casting calls for extras if anything films in your area. See what's available for summer stock in the area, often they may pffer unpaid interships and any legit experience is good experience.
Look to see what schools offer drama/theatre scholarships. Check the requirements for applying so you can prepare.
Never turn down a chance to learn something new, but be careful of shysters. Sad but true but they are out there with cheesy class offers, etc.
I have never regretted my choices, even switching from on-stage talent to backstage talent. That occurred in college, suddenly costuming clicked for me.
You should have a plan for the 'what-ifs' but if you are going for the theatre world, COMMIT. That's the biggest and hardest lesson I think. I chose no/small money summer stock jobs instead of 'real world' gigs. I left the band I was fronting just as they started getting real play time in the Boston music scene and ate a lot of cheap food. Never regretted it, loved all the memories, all the hard work and at 69 I am about to jump in feet first again. You have a few years, but experiences in all the realms of acting are never a bad thing. GOOD LUCK!
Breck recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Cassandra !
The one thing to know is that the people who try to discourage you from an acting career are those who do not know the business. They have a preconceived notion that it is frivolous, unreal and unusual.
There may be a way for you to do this with minimum support from your parents. Your parents may see the light when they see you doing shows and get the drift that it's real.
You do not have to go to a famous named college for acting. Many are swaying away from that, actually and opting for State Universities or community colleges to save on the expense. There are no community colleges in Sweetwater, Texas that offer a Theatre Degree, however. Explore colleges in Snyder, Big Spring, Odessa, and Abilene. Look for a strong theatre program, a theatre department that is equipped with all the technical necessities. Register for orientations at the colleges and see which one is quality yet in the lower price range.
You can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid and consult with staff at the college's Financial Aid Department about eligibility requirements. This can help out with the expense, even if you opt for a low cost community college. Scholarships can also help.
Look these scholarships up online as they are offered to Texas college students: The Texas Educational Theatre Association, High school seniors in Texas who have participated in University Interscholastic League academic state meets and plan to major in theatre education are eligible for the Texas Educational Theatre Association Theatre Education Scholarship, The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships, and scholarships offered through specific colleges. You should explore general scholarships, too. Visit your Guidance Counselor who can possibly help you locate general scholarships based on your criteria as the acting and theatre scholarships are mostly for the students of a certain college.
It's not easy living in a small town, but perhaps you can work a couple of years and save and then afford to pay for your plans. In the meantime, keep doing shows or films and build that experience. Seek out any in person private acting teachers that you can access. Another option is to major in something your parents approve of and minor in Theatre/Acting just so you can start college after high school. Hang around the theatre department more than your Major department if you do that. You will need strong connections for opportunities to be in shows and films. At some point, see if you can transition to majoring in Theatre.
As for Film, it is a good idea to go to film school, but for now look for classes online. Acting classes are not valuable online, but filmmaking can be okay online for now. These are collaborative careers, so you really do need to train in person, on site, with real equipment and around live people.
I hope this helps. I lived in a small town, too, but my parents were okay with me moving 3,000 miles away to step into acting. Sometimes, you just have to plan a move and things work out. I think you'll find a plan that works - don't give up. It can be done.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The one thing to know is that the people who try to discourage you from an acting career are those who do not know the business. They have a preconceived notion that it is frivolous, unreal and unusual.
There may be a way for you to do this with minimum support from your parents. Your parents may see the light when they see you doing shows and get the drift that it's real.
You do not have to go to a famous named college for acting. Many are swaying away from that, actually and opting for State Universities or community colleges to save on the expense. There are no community colleges in Sweetwater, Texas that offer a Theatre Degree, however. Explore colleges in Snyder, Big Spring, Odessa, and Abilene. Look for a strong theatre program, a theatre department that is equipped with all the technical necessities. Register for orientations at the colleges and see which one is quality yet in the lower price range.
You can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid and consult with staff at the college's Financial Aid Department about eligibility requirements. This can help out with the expense, even if you opt for a low cost community college. Scholarships can also help.
Look these scholarships up online as they are offered to Texas college students: The Texas Educational Theatre Association, High school seniors in Texas who have participated in University Interscholastic League academic state meets and plan to major in theatre education are eligible for the Texas Educational Theatre Association Theatre Education Scholarship, The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships, and scholarships offered through specific colleges. You should explore general scholarships, too. Visit your Guidance Counselor who can possibly help you locate general scholarships based on your criteria as the acting and theatre scholarships are mostly for the students of a certain college.
It's not easy living in a small town, but perhaps you can work a couple of years and save and then afford to pay for your plans. In the meantime, keep doing shows or films and build that experience. Seek out any in person private acting teachers that you can access. Another option is to major in something your parents approve of and minor in Theatre/Acting just so you can start college after high school. Hang around the theatre department more than your Major department if you do that. You will need strong connections for opportunities to be in shows and films. At some point, see if you can transition to majoring in Theatre.
As for Film, it is a good idea to go to film school, but for now look for classes online. Acting classes are not valuable online, but filmmaking can be okay online for now. These are collaborative careers, so you really do need to train in person, on site, with real equipment and around live people.
I hope this helps. I lived in a small town, too, but my parents were okay with me moving 3,000 miles away to step into acting. Sometimes, you just have to plan a move and things work out. I think you'll find a plan that works - don't give up. It can be done.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !