1 answer
1 answer
Updated
Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Lamar!
Acting is such a fun field where you can tell stories and share experiences that impact people!
My daughter acted in high school and prior, and a great way to get started and build your acting resume is to do plays. Check if your school has a drama club or presents plays during the year and audition for those.
Also, read plays, go to see live theater, and watch movies. Examine what about a performance pulls you in and makes it believable. See how you can create those things in your performances.
Find appropriate monologues (that fit your age range and casting type) to audition with. It is great to have at least one comedy and one drama.
As a theater town, Chicago has a number of theaters that offer opportunities for young people:
- Goodman Theater has a free workshop program: https://www.goodmantheatre.org/event/teen-studio/
- Acting Studio Chicago offers a Youth Performers' Scholarship: https://www.actingstudiochicago.com/asc-youth-performers-scholarship/
For film and tv, you can look into extra or background roles to start. This is a great way to get familiar with being on set and seeing how it works. You would need to get an entertainment work permit if under 18. Chicago Film Office is a good resource: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_film_office11.html
Also check out local colleges that have film programs for opportunities with student films.
Many talent agencies have youth divisions such as Stewart Talent. This is a great step once you get some foundational experience acting.
Hope this helps and I'm rooting for you!
Acting is such a fun field where you can tell stories and share experiences that impact people!
My daughter acted in high school and prior, and a great way to get started and build your acting resume is to do plays. Check if your school has a drama club or presents plays during the year and audition for those.
Also, read plays, go to see live theater, and watch movies. Examine what about a performance pulls you in and makes it believable. See how you can create those things in your performances.
Find appropriate monologues (that fit your age range and casting type) to audition with. It is great to have at least one comedy and one drama.
As a theater town, Chicago has a number of theaters that offer opportunities for young people:
- Goodman Theater has a free workshop program: https://www.goodmantheatre.org/event/teen-studio/
- Acting Studio Chicago offers a Youth Performers' Scholarship: https://www.actingstudiochicago.com/asc-youth-performers-scholarship/
For film and tv, you can look into extra or background roles to start. This is a great way to get familiar with being on set and seeing how it works. You would need to get an entertainment work permit if under 18. Chicago Film Office is a good resource: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_film_office11.html
Also check out local colleges that have film programs for opportunities with student films.
Many talent agencies have youth divisions such as Stewart Talent. This is a great step once you get some foundational experience acting.
Hope this helps and I'm rooting for you!