Acting : Where Do I Start? by Kumasi Hopkins-Hilliard

Kumasi, I could be very wrong here so let me apologize first thing. But here's my 2 cents worth: On your S32 profile page you state you are an actor, dancer, singer. If indeed you have all 3 abilities, then that makes you what we call a "triple threat" which is a very good thing, my friend. You are in New York. There is absolutely no better place on the planet to be, learn, do this craft than where you are...unless Hollywood is your thing...or London for the obvious differences. In high school, it's all about "fitting in" and not being "too unique or different or individual". In our business, it is the exact opposite. Not being just another cog in the wheel, not stepping into the same shoes someone else has worn....these are things that set you apart from the herd. Find your own voice. Discover what it means to be "You". What do You bring to the table? It is both the simplest and the most difficult thing in the world. But that fits with wanting to be a part of the most difficult business in the world. :) If you have the time and resources, look around at schools - perhaps a conservatory setting might work. I live in North Carolina where we are blessed to have one of the premiere institutions for this kind of thing. That is UNCSA - University of North Carolina School of the Arts. You have schools, workshops and classes up there by the hundreds for this business. How to pick the right one for you? That is a very personal thing so my only suggestion would be to research that topic however you can and audit classes, visit campuses, talk with folks who've been there, etc. And of course, use Stage 32. There are some smart folks here and I'm sure someone can offer better advice than I. One other thing, Kumasi...Just remember this....Everyone who made it started right where you are in life. Be gentle and kind to YOURSELF! Don't beat yourself up for any reason...because this business can be harsh. The last thing I will say is, as Shakespeare penned so well, "To thine own self be true." Best of luck! jim

Thank you for taking the time to reply with such useful advice! It really got me thinking and I feel like I know what the next step is now!

Jim, what wonderful advice. You are a pure example of what makes this community so special. Kumasi, we look forward to hearing about your progress after taking Jim's advice.

Thank you, Debbie and Alle for adding to it.

I'll be attending Queensborough College soon, so I should get a lot of experience there. I heard their program is really good

That's actually a very good point

Alle makes a very valid point (as usual). She is very wise. It is good to be in a class of some sort though. One of the best classes I took was an auditioning class taught by 3 different casting directors which met one night a week after they were done casting for the day. We were shown what to do, but more so what not to do at an audition. As an actor turned director, this was an invaluable asset to have. Most acting classes deal with "acting" but rarely teach how to "get the job." Auditioning is an element all in itself and often neglected by actors. No matter what class you take, never hold everything you hear and learn as the rule. Study with different coaches and take bits and pieces which will help mold you all the way through.

So, one should definitely take classes for the auditioning process, I see

Classes for auditioning are great and should definitely be taken, but it should be a supplement to a regular acting class as well. Best of luck.

Understood. Thank you

The easy answer is, start where you are. Both geographically and experience-wise. Get in a good class - good being the operative word - you'll have to do some legwork to find the best teachers in your area. Are you wanting to pursue acting in film or theater or are you focused on one or the other? Whichever it is, you still need to start with some solid foundational training. Then if you're more interested in film/tv work, for instance, look for classes that focus on that side of the business. Preferably taught by someone who has actual professional experience. I tried to listen to your monologue but the audio was far too low. If you were submitting that for an audition, even if the performance was fantastic, it would rejected because you can't be heard and a caster isn't going to spend time trying to make it more audible...they'll just move on. Next. But, don't be concerned with auditioning or about getting an agent or all that right now. That's the business side of acting. Get trained up a bit first before you start putting yourself out there to be judged. Make your mistakes, give your bad performances, learn how to act in class, not in public. When you're confident in your training, start creating original content to put up here or on YouTube or other media outlets. Whether that's a monologue you write, a scene, play, short film, whatever. Start creating.Collaborate with talented friends and use each other's strengths to create something that showcases your (and their) talent. Don't wait for someone to give you permission to use your talent. Create your own opportunities. But first, get trained. All the best to you.

I see what you mean. Thank you for your input; it is highly appreciated