4 answers
Izzy
Student
Billings, Montana
1
Question
Asked
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What can I do to be successful if I want to persue an acting career?
I'm currently a Senior in high school deciding on what I want to do after I graduate; I think I've decided on taking generals in my hometown before hopefully transferring to the University of Montana to get a minor in Theater. I've learned through some research that getting a career as an Actor is a challenge, so is this the best option for me to do, or should I continue persuing acting as a hobby?
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4 answers
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
505
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Izzy,
It's fantastic that you're thinking carefully about your future while following your passion for acting. Starting with general education at a community college is a smart and practical choice that many successful creatives have taken. Here's why this path is a good idea:
Starting at Community College
By beginning at your local community college, you have the chance to explore your interests without the high cost of a four-year university. This approach helps you keep your GPA strong, save money, and stay flexible while you work on your acting skills through local theater, workshops, or community productions.
Combining Theater with a Practical Major
Pairing a theater minor with a more practical major at the University of Montana is a clever move. Many actors have degrees in fields like communications, business, or psychology, which offer financial security and useful skills. This way, you can keep your passion for theater alive while having a stable career path.
Facing the Reality of Acting
Acting is a competitive field, but that shouldn't stop you. It just means being smart about it. Think about whether you can commit to regular auditions, if you're open to moving after graduation, and if you can support yourself with other jobs while pursuing acting. Your current plan takes these realities into account.
My Advice
Don't choose between acting and practicality—embrace both. Use your time at community college to do well in your studies, stay active in theater, and evaluate your dedication. Then, transfer to the University of Montana, complete your degree with a theater minor, and chase your acting dreams while having a solid backup plan. This isn't settling; it's being wise in a challenging industry.
It's fantastic that you're thinking carefully about your future while following your passion for acting. Starting with general education at a community college is a smart and practical choice that many successful creatives have taken. Here's why this path is a good idea:
Starting at Community College
By beginning at your local community college, you have the chance to explore your interests without the high cost of a four-year university. This approach helps you keep your GPA strong, save money, and stay flexible while you work on your acting skills through local theater, workshops, or community productions.
Combining Theater with a Practical Major
Pairing a theater minor with a more practical major at the University of Montana is a clever move. Many actors have degrees in fields like communications, business, or psychology, which offer financial security and useful skills. This way, you can keep your passion for theater alive while having a stable career path.
Facing the Reality of Acting
Acting is a competitive field, but that shouldn't stop you. It just means being smart about it. Think about whether you can commit to regular auditions, if you're open to moving after graduation, and if you can support yourself with other jobs while pursuing acting. Your current plan takes these realities into account.
My Advice
Don't choose between acting and practicality—embrace both. Use your time at community college to do well in your studies, stay active in theater, and evaluate your dedication. Then, transfer to the University of Montana, complete your degree with a theater minor, and chase your acting dreams while having a solid backup plan. This isn't settling; it's being wise in a challenging industry.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
74
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Your plan is really smart. Taking general classes in your hometown saves money and lets you build skills. Minoring in theater gives you formal training without limiting your options. An acting career isn't about the degree name; it’s about training, experience, and persistence. Classes help with technique and confidence, but the key is auditioning, performing, and handling rejection while trying again.
If you want to pursue acting, treat it as both a craft and a business. Audition for community theater, student films, and local productions. Build your resume slowly and learn how the industry works. It’s also wise to keep another job or area of study for stability. Many actors do this while following their passion. You don’t have to decide now if acting will be your lifelong career. You can give it a serious try, see how it feels, and make adjustments as needed. It’s better to try and learn than to always wonder "what if."
If you want to pursue acting, treat it as both a craft and a business. Audition for community theater, student films, and local productions. Build your resume slowly and learn how the industry works. It’s also wise to keep another job or area of study for stability. Many actors do this while following their passion. You don’t have to decide now if acting will be your lifelong career. You can give it a serious try, see how it feels, and make adjustments as needed. It’s better to try and learn than to always wonder "what if."
Jasmine Madrigal (De La Garza)
Human Resources
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
I think it is always a good idea to have a back-up plan. Keep it as a hobby and if it turns into something more, awesome. If not, you have your back-up plan to rely on as well. Good luck!
Nehad Tadros
0
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Nehad’s Answer
Read and research more to learn the pros an cons before you decide. Look for a mentor and ask them about each role to understand more if this is something you would like.