I was simply just going to ask the question, but I feel like really letting a lot out and getting deep into this question. I hope you don't mind, and I appreciate the time anyone takes to read it. I spent the last 27 years daydreaming about being an Actress. Constantly watching, being around, and being knowledgeable about the movie world. Buying and saving magazines/articles, reading books, etc. I still have said articles and such, I just always felt like it was important to hold onto them and the dream. Idolizing and wanting to be like these people (in a healthy way). Using them, their stories and whatnot to help improve my own life kind of deal. Dreaming about winning Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. My family and I used to film sketches (much like SNL). I was asked to be in 2 local commercials. I'm asked on the daily if I'm an Actress or Model. It gets annoying though because I put modeling in my past, and acting was just still a dream (until now). Being asked causes me to feel depressed, like I'm not doing the right thing and I should pursue one or both of those careers. Deep down, I've always wanted to. Before all of this, and before I found confidence and became "pretty" lol...I went through a lot of not so great things. I was heavily bullied for the entire duration of school in general. That led to and endless amount of years with problem after problem (things you find in Psychology texts books). I never fit in with "normal every day people." I still don't. I was always considered over-dramatic, passionate, and destined for something other than a cop/lawyer/nurse type of job. I didn't do very well in school, but I kicked butt on everything Writing related and Psychology related. I've been writing since the 2nd grade. I combined the passion of wanting to Act with my Writing ability. I blend in my love for Psychology into this as well. I was told that I am able to create amazing characters because of it, which makes me feel like I'd understand a lot of roles, and that I would be able to play a lot of roles. For the past 6 years, I've been Screenwriting. I ADORE it, and I do feel like it's something I'll do well in (as long as I keep putting in the work). BUT...I still feel like something is missing. I thought maybe it was because I am single, but I don't think it's that. I just feel like I should still pursue acting. I feel like that still might be something that I will actually do well in, and something that I was made for. When I close my eyes and think deeply about me being an Actress...it just feels so right. I feel whole again...like I'm where I should be almost. I feel that way about writing too, but JUST writing might not be enough for my movie reel on roids, forever daydreaming brain lol I tend to mesh well with actors, actresses, and wrestlers as well. They respect the hell out of me (and I do them). I fit in so well with them (similar mind-sets, similar stories, etc). I consider a lot of wrestlers and some actors my extended family, and they feel the same. Outside of them, I feel like such an outcast, so much so that I didn't even like myself for a longgggg time because of the way others looked at me, and yeah... I guess I have some sort of resume started with the 2 commercials, but it's literally like seconds long. I feel like I'm walking into a job without a resume, and we all know how hard that can be in general. So, my question is...how do I begin? I'm not a total beginner. I signed up with Backstage. I talk to actors every single day. I've done a ton of research over the years. I network my butt off on Twitter as much as I possibly can in a day (for writing). I used to try to find auditions, etc. I went to a couple, but they were things I knew I wouldn't get. One audition asked for 50's look, and preferred an accent....and not my New York kind haha. I just don't want anxiety and depression to keep keeping me away from this anymore. I feel like I kept using those as an excuse to NOT try harder, and to not really pursue it. Fear paralyzed me for some time. I just don't want to regret not doing it, especially since the urge, want, need is always present and never goes away. I'm in a transition of sorts at the moment. I took 6 months off from a 9-5 to write, to work on career goals, and to get my mind and everything on the right path. I'm applying for a new 9-5 tonight. Kennel job, working with animals is another passion of mine. I hope I get it, I could use the income again! My friend just posted on his Facebook that it took him 27 years to finally pursue Wrestling. I guess maybe, he really woke me up a little bit. I mean, I'm on this path of straightening out my life career-wise, so this question was bound to come up very soon either way. Do I sound like I'm one of those people who should really take this want seriously and go for it? I feel like I should, I feel like I won't ever feel right if I don't do it.
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This is so great, Jennifer! I'm in a very similar boat as you, and I'm 36 years old! I joined an acting class "just to see what happens," and my teacher and more experienced colleagues said I have it, and should go for it! They've been so supportive and inspiring that I finally decided, "why not?" And that's why I'm here. So I'm wishing you much success as if you were me, because, in a sense, you are!!! Let's do this!
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You are very lucky to be getting your start in this day and age where so much work is available for you to get experience. Acting work to pay your bills -- now that's another story... But with Actors Access and the other online casting services, you can directly submit your headshot and resume to many many projects. Acting classes are a great way to learn, make new friends, and get your feet wet in a safe and nurturing environment. Plus, you'll learn whether or not acting as a professional career is for you. This life isn't cut out for everyone -- it can take a toll on you mentally, emotionally and financially. But if it's meant for you, you will know. You'll find the joy in the process of finding a character, performing in front of people, etc. Best of luck with your new endeavor!
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The best piece of advice I can give you is to buy a camera and start writing and filming for yourself. You'll learn so much from the process as an actor and give you a greater respect for the process as a whole. The second best piece of advice I can give is to study films. You can literally watch the best performances the world has to offer from the comfort of your own couch, use them.
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good idea !! Get into a show at a community theater and see if you like what you experience. Then if you do, take the next step...
Thanks to all who answered!! I really appreciate any and all feedback. I will definitely try to get my feet wet in the acting world very soon!! =)
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You're in NYC, take some classes, build your confidence and flexibility. Learn how to improvise, then you'll be ready regardless of what's thrown at you. Take a look at what HB Studios has to offer.
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Simply jump in! Don't dream anymore. Who cares whether you're being paid or not! Once you are comfortable with the entire scene (and yourself inside it) then start looking for professional help (ie. classes) but not before. You don't need acting classes to be an extra (and can in fact hurt you because you'll be stuck up and think "you're too good for this") and as long as you have income then you'll have spare time (buy disposable utensils and eat quick healthy food and stop wasting your spare time). Um... maybe I've gone round the bend.. ;)
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Sorry, but being an extra is not acting. A half page of jobs like: bar patron #2; dog walker; person in last row of crowd, shows the casting people that you're not serious. Those aren't real credits. Take extra work to earn money for acting classes, when your "stuff" is good enough you'll land a real role even if it's just a couple of lines.
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True JD, extras is not ACTing but we're talking about a girl who doesn't have much experience on set and is working off a feeling that she should (or maybe wants) to be a fully committed actor. She is still processing all the emotions, feelings, and motivations and (from what was written above) it is my humble opinion that her main motivation is a reaction to multiple people's opinions. Jennifer, you're doing all the right things :) You're mixing with the right people, asking the right questions, being open to other people's opinions which makes me feel you're on the right track but you've gotta feel/know it inside yourself too. I believe working in the dramatic field will either solidify this desire and make it your own or show you a part of the field (which you may not have identified as being more "you" otherwise, like being a casting director) which you want to fully devote yourself to. What's worse, spending a few months on set and discovering where you truly fit in (and not getting much prestige, or even respect, at all) or sinking thousands of dollars and hours into something you will never use. What's the use of acting training if you end up preferring to be behind the camera rather than in front? True if acting does become your internal passion then extra roles won't be a highlight on your resume and should be later replaced by more "prestigious" roles but (again if acting is your goal) an empty/sparse resume looks worse- an actor must always remain busy (even if they choose not to publicise their productions). Another thing to consider is the reality of acting- not the fantasy (or the turbidity) of it. The more common reality is not flashing bulbs (although that may happen at the end), it's the hours of line repetition, the grind of maintaining relationships on multiple levels with multiple people when all you want to do is curl up with a good book, it's coming back to your home and noticing how small everything seems to have become once you've landed a huge role, it's the remembering the wine glass was in your right hand and being sure not to sip it to maintain continuity, it's the honest emotional excesses that are repeatedly required take after take after take after take after... Also Extra work is (mostly) stress free. It allows you to be on set, watching how everything works, enjoying the "acting" life without the stress (and without the benefits too), plus it gives you money to PAY for your education. Another thing is that extra work on large productions allows you to meet people who move in larger circles and opens up future prospects. My initial comment was also a warning that actors that have spent years training want to go straight to leading roles and look down on smaller roles which will help you get on-the-floor skills. I've been an extra on two major productions and the size of the name of the productions gets me in more doors then others who didn't even score basic roles on these productions. My warning on doing training before doing extra work still holds true- most people don't want to work with people who constantly look down on everyone and the production as a whole simply because they don't have a piece of paper to clutch so they can squeak out a line or two when the lense swings into their field of view. Making a movie is a TEAM process, every part of the production is as equally important as the other. Everyone must work together with the right attitude for it to succeed. (That being said the editor has the final say but that's a totally different story! lol!) The longest journey still starts with the smallest step, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, enjoy the self discovery process, and listen to your heart (and remember YOUR goals) the entire way through :)
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How does your advice relate to life in the NYC market, the land of SAG and non-SAG? Do you realize that non-unon extras are corralled separately from SAGs, they don't typically interact much (and don't want to). Been there done that. Long ago, worked as a recurring extra on two major episodic productions, one HBO the other NBC, both for at least two years. Good "fun" money as I was already in a full time job elsewhere, good training? No. A chance to observe the crew and working on the set? Ever hear, "All extras back to holding."?
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Why are you talking about NYC? Neither Jennifer or I brought it up. So your saying having no experience at all and simply sitting around & dreaming is better than doing something in the area of movies? I've already covered the differences between extras and actors.
It's pertinent to her location, my location and my experience with SAG shoots on both sides of the camera. Your second statement? Never said anything of the kind.
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Jennifer, do you a head shot/resume/CV? NYU Tisch Film School collects them. You'll be in the "book" that student filmmakers can reference when casting for their projects. See: https://tischtalentguild.wordpress.com/ and http://www.actorscatalogue.com/
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Hi Jennifer, THis was a tough one for me. I came to acting later myself. Actually put my toe in the water once and came to LA, left and went back home, then came BACK to LA after having another career (that ended with the crash). I work with a lot of newcomers now and this topic comes up so much that I made a video about it. You can see it attached here: Should I Become An Actor? https://youtu.be/KM4kskRrgbg. YOu can also see my own story of coming to terms with become an actor in the Bio vid I did for my Stage 32 Webinar. https://youtu.be/jsyRnNPhXZY Lot of good stuff said here. These are my 2 cents. :) Chris
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Ever thought, life is a stage, we all need to do some acting anyway, so why not get paid for it. That's the way I thought. Of course, I am a failed actor but then again that maybe because I never ever really got a shot or gave myself one.
Would be nice if the OP did a check-in and gave an update of her internal struggles.
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Hi Jennifer, when I read your post I feel that acting is what you really want. Fear is something that every creative must deal with, sooner or later. It seems that you are absolutely full of passion. What is stopping you? FEAR, period. It cripples us. There is never a right time or a wrong time to go after a dream. You have been given great advice by the people in these posts. But, there is nothing anybody can ever tell you that will be magical. You have to create that for yourself by taking a deep breath, exhaling and taking some action. Anything is better than thinking over and over and doing nothing. That makes us crazy. The world is full of people who dream and never take action. I feel your pain, but the time is now to act. Actors get told NO way more than yes. There isn't an actor on this planet who gets every role for which they audition. I truly hope you will find the courage to go after it and take care of that thing inside of you.
Thank you everyone for your comments. I will take a look at all of the links provided! I appreciate it all!! I'm so focused on my Screenwriting career, but I think I'll get my friend (I did some modeling with) to get me in some makeup and do a few headshots.
Hi Jennifer! :) Here's my 2 cents: JUST DO IT! Do plays that interest you and find film schools near you and audition for the their projects! It's a great way to build confidence during the audition process AND gain "on set" experience/build confidence/get to know your "type", with low stress (because student filmmakers are learning too!)... and yes- acting classes, especially IMPROV (my personal fav) would be great! The thing is, people dream of being an actor all the time, but until you actually DO IT, you'll really never know if you REALLY want to do it :D Wishing you the best!!
Hi Jennifer A pleasure to connect and answer any questions you have :) https://www.stage32.com/media/1196300998792981989
Just go for it. You don't need a headshot to get on set as an extra and see what it's like. Don't believe the BS artists at the casting places. Extras are chosen by sex, age, sometimes race, etc. Send me 4 males 3 females, between xx and yy age, preppy looking or coprorate look, etc. Like buying eggs in the store. Your not supposed to be unique. No audition necessary.
Why did you argue against me Earlier JD?!?! This was EXACTLY what I recommended to Jennifer earlier and you shot me down in flames and argued against all my points and now you turn around and say what I said earlier about being an extra and get started. Make up your mind- don't blast someone's point of view and then parrot back what they recommended later on as if you thought it up first. Jennifer just dive straight in and be an extra- refer to my earlier posts. Using myself as an example I was an extra on a TV series two days ago and on a major movie a week or so before that and between the two I played a bit part in a segment of another TV show.
Extra work is not the road to an acting career. Standing in a crowd, walking down the sidewalk, pretending to have a conversation in a bar isn't acting or training for anything other than being a better "extra". I stand tall on this statement. When it comes time to "put up or shut up" in an audition, if you can get one based on you background experience, without training you're likely choke or just fail to deliver. ......so despite about 10 posts delivering various flavors of advice and three weeks time, the forward progress reported is makeup and headshots??. Modeling and acting aren't the same either. I shift gears a bit and recommend not wasting money on headshots and trying it as background if you want to act. Not suggesting it as a way to break in, but yes, I concede it's a move even if not the best one. No experience necessary and the pay can go towards paying a photographer when your ready. So I'm sorry to have argued with you publicly, but there is a path, a proven method that many successful actors have followed and it involves professional training, which for an actor never ends no matter how long they've been at it.
Jennifer, I have been in the same position. I fell in love with acting when I was 8 watching Les Meserables. I loved every angle of acting. After many years I decided I was going to pursue my dream. I will say this, DO IT!! find a teacher that you like. Work on your craft daily. No matter what always keep chasing the dream. There will be slow times, times you doubt yourself, but never let that stop you. As you work on your acting career in the beginning audition for everything you can. Getting into the casting room is good practice.
How great!! Everything that has been shared in this thread, has value. Conflicts and all. :) The truth is, everyone's journey is different and following someone else's "way" may not be the best for another person, so we MUST follow our own inner path and guidance. Ask, listen, process and act from your own heart/instincts. I personally TOTALLY agree that taking professional classes is important (especially improv). In NY you have SO many awesome classes to choose from!! Go audit all that you can!! I also totally recommend HB Studios! I personally studied there and it's FULL of actors you can bond and network with, which is also why taking classes is key- to have a support/network system. Plus- classes are just FUN and you will learn how to break down a script, how to create characters, ETC. ETC. ETC. I also HIGHLY recommend taking a beginning filmmaking course as an Actor (OR just start writing, producing, casting, directing and editing your own short films) so you 100% get what happens on the other side of the camera, and WHY, and it'll build your confidence as an Actor like crazy!! :D Also someone mentioned watching films.. yes!! AND re-watch the film with the Directors Commentary and you'll learn a ton! Also, watch episodes of "Inside the Actors Studio" (especially the actors you don't want to..haha) and again, you'll see so many different approaches, etc. and you can try them out YOUR WAY and create your own technique. Lastly, I'd like to share my experience about extra work (keep in mind I've been doing this a long time and have extensive NY and L.A. training and have written and produced my own shorts, etc.. I'm not new to this by any means is what I'm getting at): While I agree that extra work is not something we want to get "stuck" in, and it can tend to feed into our "less than" issues as artists and people (and sink in, if we let it), and extras are basically looked "down upon" (especially in L.A.), I have personally found treasures in it. First, when I was just starting out and it exposed me to what making films and TV shows are really all about (the hours, how long one shot takes to light and shoot, the vibe, the DIFFERENCES in directors and process from set to set, etc...) ... And then, a few years back while living in L.A. --at a time when I was so broke, depressed and utterly sick of every survival job I had done a million times and refused to repeat, I decided to do (SAG) extra work again, but this time: CHANGE MY PERSPECTIVE about it. Sure there are things that SUCK about extra work, but that's all jobs.. and like i said, this time around I chose to focus on what was GOOD about it: to go to "work" everyday, as an "Actor" who did not speak but was part of the team (which is true because you mostly cannot make projects w/o extras). I felt blessed that I was getting paid well, to be on set, as an "Actor", learning, being fed all day (gotta love that part) and had some free time during the day to read, write my own stuff, etc. I even went so far to "keep up my chops" by creating and imagining who my character was for the day, what my intentions and motivations were, etc.. (sounds funny, but it was good practice, and in all honesty, I felt it was my JOB to give to the Principal actors, as an Actor. There is a real sense of dignity in that :D) I stayed out of all the "extras drama/drudgery" and I treated every one of my jobs as a real job and asked myself how I could give the most to it and receive the most from it. With this new perspective, I had some pretty cool experiences and learned some filmmaking techniques that I never would have. Plus, I noticed that I felt more and more comfortable on set (which, I think, is great for when you book the bigger stuff). Did I have to deal with difficulties? Of course, but we all do at every job. Oh SHAZAM, how I've rambled..... LOL.... anyway- hope this helps someone else :) Wishing you ALL an awesome day!!! <3
Everyone is different and everyone's journey will be slightly different, but there are formulas, recipes and paths which remove some of the uncertainty. Otherwise success could still be found by waiting tables at the Brown Derby restaurant in L.A. But it ain't necessarily so.