My acting dream seems to be going no where. I'm still very young, but I've been at it for like six years.

I mean, ever since I was three, I dreamed of performing in front of a large crowd. That was something I wanted more than ANYTHING. But now, my dream seems to be going no where. I'm still performing in a small community theater (the kind where the audience members are simply friends/family to other cast members), and I wasn't even able to get the lead in my school play. I don't know what to do! Nothing I do to share my love of performing with to others seems to work. I mean, sure, it takes a while, but in six years, I would have expected to have AT LEAST gotten the lead in the school play (I actually got sick on audition day). Don't you? Because whenever I perform, I just feel so happy, and I feel that I do a great job. But it's like nothing I do seems to work for them, you know. It just feels awful. Especially because I have lost some good parts to some...not-so-good people. And I put 100% of myself into performing. Is there anyone out there with advice? Please, serious answers only.

My acting dream seems to be going no where. I'm still very young, but I've been at it for like six years.
It is hard when you are trying to persue your dream and you get smacked in the face. You are also persuing a career that is very difficult to get into. I would say just to keep at it. With enough hard work and dedication, you will get there.





And don't worry about not getting the lead in your school play, I hate to say it, but alot of those things are given to the "favorites". I would look into doing public theater, even if you start out small with a small part, they will see your hard work and dedication. You will do it!
Reply:I presume you're still in high school? Take a deep breath, there is much yet to do.





First, if you don't get the lead or the role you really want--it's hardly your fault. Directors often cast based on appearances rather than raw talent, and if I'm directing a show with a romance in it, I want the two lovers to look good together--which might mean the second-best woman and the best man in the audition will get those parts. The director is thinking of the overall look of the show, not just who is the finest performer.





You might consider working on basic skills. Take acting workshops in summer, get dance and voice lessons. Approach acting as a craft rather than an art, or as a discipline rather than an inherent gift.





If you need comforting beyond these generalities, look up the stories of some of the greatest actors. If I recall correctly, Bogie was the THIRD choice for lead man in Casablanca, Clark Gable was not the first choice for Rhett Butler, etc. All of the greats have had more rejection than acceptance.
Reply:Don't give up.





Put in a 120% rather than 100% and always believe in yourself.





NEVER give up your dreams... you'll live to regret it otherwise...





"I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed." - Booker T Washington.
Reply:Keep at it and try to improve. Ask the director in the play for helpful corrective critism..and be open to listening to it without getting tearful or sensitive. Maybe you are comming off differently than you mean to or are putting soo much effort in that you are over doing it...anyways they may be able to help you improve, but you have to be open to it!





Also, watch shows like idol and even top model. They are VERY helpful lessons in how to show your true self and chrisma.





I would personally keep at your dream and remember some of the most sucessful hollywood actors were DORKS and not even i the school play in highschool! I would also make a back-up plan for something you can do as a career that you would like and be good at...just in case...this way you'll always be able to make a living.
Reply:My singing dream seems to be going nowhere. I'm 46. It's hard, isn't it? But nothing that is worthwhile is easy to get. Unless you hit the lottery. I guess the question you have to ask yourself is this: when do I quit and try something else? Just realize when you quit, it will undo all of your past efforts and you will be starting all over again. By the way, I just submitted my demo (again) to try to enter a vocal competition. The winner will be signed to a national recording contract. I have less time than you, and I won't be giving up anytime soon. How about you? Do you have enough perseverance to keep going? I've experienced more rejection than I can mention here. But Mary J. Blige's music teacher told her she'd never sing professionally. Tom Cruise is so severely dyslexic that he can't read. You can't have any quit in you if you want to make it. Prove the "experts wrong. have the last laugh. Keep going until you do make it.
Reply:every actor and actress has had there bad times just be cool


dont do any thing stupid and you,ll hit the big time and all that can be put in the past .
Reply:(1) Dont give up.


(2) You are being taught a valuable lesson about REAL LIFE in the adult world right now - this is how it NORMALLY is - actually you have it easy right now


(3) Research acting schools and places with the emphasis on the arts for where to attend in the future





Failing that, if the place you are in is just plain dead for the arts, then MOVE. Find out where to be and go there instead.





OR fire yourself up for the ultimate challenge. Plan for the future when you yourself own and run your own theater and star in plays you produce. Learn from every role you get - even if its not the lead, if a role is done right, the role can steal the thunder from the lead. Become known for being able to become the character in the play - regardless of what or who or position.





If you truly enjoy theater, then live for theater itself. Dont get hung up by vanity. And learn from all of the people who support you during a play - the lighting crew, the stage hands, the dress designers, the choreographers - everyone has special things that you can learn.
Reply:Do you live in or near the Omaha area? If so, google rena's international. I am currently working with her, and i will be attending an international performing arts convention this summer. Tryouts for the next convention are on this saturday. If you do live near Omaha, and want more information, e-mail me. if not, check out the amtc website. just google millie lewis. They have a map, that can show you the nearest director that goes to the amtc convention. You can then audition for them, and go to the convention, which brings amazing opportunities in the acting career.





dramaqueen_033@yahoo.com