I really want to be an actress...what do you suggest I do?

Hi - I'm in the UK too, and my daughter is a professional actor.

The trouble here is that it's virtually impossible to find any auditions unless you can get signed up by an agent - and it's incredibly difficult to get an agent unless you've graduated from a major drama school or university with a degree or the equivalent in Acting.

And to get into Musical Theatre, it would absolutely have to be one of the top drama schools who do the 3-year MT courses.

I can understand your mum's point of view. When my daughter told me that she was going to turn down her place at Uni where she was going to study Psychology, I was disappointed and worried. But she explained that her heart wasn't in it, she really had no motivation in that line, and what she really wanted, more than anything, was to be an actor.

So we did masses of research, spoke to a lot of people, looked into every possible aspect of it, and worked out how we were going to afford it.

It's a really precarious career - the best that most actors ever get is 2 or 3 weeks' paid acting work a year, and they almost all have to work at least one other ordinary job just to afford their rent, living expenses, etc. So really, it's not a case of having a Plan B - it's having enough qualifications to get a good job you can work freelance, self-employed, so you don't keep getting fired from a 9-5 job for taking time off for auditions. You have to lead a double life, really.

But unless you can get into one of those drama schools, it's going to be really difficult for you to be a professional. I'd say - follow your dreams and give it your best shot, especially as you've already got some experience and got your A-Level Drama. But do figure out a way to earn a living as well!

I've never regretted supporting my daughter - even though acting jobs are few and far between. She's very happy - and that's what really matters.

Good luck - I hope it works out for you.

xx

Start at the bottom and join an amateur dramatics group and get some experience that way. Apply to local theatres for acting work, it might only be small parts but in time you will move on. When you have some experience then register with an agent and he should find you work. You will have to think small in the early days and work up to major roles if you really do have the ability.

University is a great place to use your acting skills... and that is the only way you will get a break... by being in the right place... showing people what you can do. Supporting cast or extra work will get you in the right circles and earn you some cash too... getting an agency has to be a smart move.

It sounds like you are on the right track. Teaching is kind of like acting so you can learn by performing story telling as you learn to teach. And learning performing arts is kind of like learning to play the piano. You must practice, practice, and practice some more. Learn some poetry and proverbs to use in your classroom opportunities the sillier the better. But joining groups like Spotlight is a very good way to get experience and practice line recall. Yes, I think you are doing the right thing. I liked our question, you were like a breath of fresh air to me.