Do I even have a chance?

[vontusslegirl87]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 8:32pm

Of making it on Broadway?
I am 18 and starting my second year of university in September, as an English major (not musical theater because that is not a reliable career according to my parents) but my dream is to be on Broadway! I have never been in any musicals or plays because my high school didn't have any (I know!!!!), and my town has like 10 people so there is no theater here, and my parents wouldn't drive me to Toronto to do anything... but now I have my heart set and feel I am at a dead end... is it too late? I am not the most amazing singer (no Chenoweth or Block) but I would be counting on ensemble! I have been dancing my whole life (since I was 3) so I am set in that department and I know I could probably do it but is it to late to start out? How should I go about it? I will be 19 in November... people my age are already on Broadway! GAH! Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Sarah

[SarahBeth]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 8:36pm

I know Ashley Brown said in an interview that she feels lucky to be on Broadway and only be 24. It's never too late. Take a few theatre classes on the side and see if its really for you. Do community theatre, it's an experience and you'll meet lots of cool cats.

[sondheimsweetie07]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 8:45pm

i would go for it! you're never too late to follow your dreams. You don't want to be wondering the rest of your life "what if?". but deff try it out with community theatre first just to be sure you love it. good luck!

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 8:47pm

Don't forget about short film work.

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 9:02pm

"...English major (not musical theater because that is not a reliable career according to my parents)"

Sorry to be a little rude, but to quote Avenue Q "What do you do, with a B.A. in English?"

In my opinion, having an English degree is a short step up with a theatre degree.

With that said, GO FOR IT! Don't let anything stop you from doing what you want to do. Never give up. Audition for anything, meet people, and you never know what can happen.

(I only know of a handfull of actors that are in their teens, one being Allison Fischer; the other is Daisy E.)

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 9:14pm

Yes definitely go for it. That's what I'm doing, as my career choice is equally hard to make a living at (Filmmaking). But there is no reason to NOT do it. Reach for the stars, vontusslegirl! You know you can do it!

[maybe1day]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 9:34pm

i'm having the same problem you are. same age, same situation (except the dancing part). i say you might as well try. no regrets. i'm starting out by taking acting for non majors next semester just to see if i like it. maybe you could check to see if your school offers something like that.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 10:04pm

Go for it. Don't give up without trying.

However you would be in a slight disadvantage, not having been in any shows, so try as soon as possible to get involved in some. And be sure to take classes. Updated On: 7/11/06 at 10:04 PM

[soapguy17]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 10:34pm

I often ask the same question. And I'm at a crossroads; I'm sure your thinking the same thing. . . Being Comfortable/Doing what you love. Which one is more important and no one; not parents, not friends, not poster on this board, no people currently on Broadway, or anyone can decide if you could live in an apartment about 1/20th the size of your parents house and still be happy, because you belted that high "F" so beautiful, that the old lady in the front row got all teary-eyed or you shined even though the director overlooked your talents and placed you in the chorus.

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 7/11/06 at 11:40pm

Being on Broadway would be fantastic. It used to be my #1 goal. But I realized that just being a working actor is my goal. Performing makes me happy, so I mean it would be lovely to be a Broadway performer...but I'm going to start maybe...in Chicago. There's so many companies there and so much to experience. I think that if you move to NYC without really knowing what the business is like...(since you havent done much theatre), it mught ruin your love for it.

And we dont want that!!!

[jeff_thedancer]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 11:36am

I live in a small town outside of toronto..well not that small but in Kitchener and i do musicals there and in guelph,cambridge and new hamburg....you just gotta take what ya can get. remember every little bit helps!

[Sporti2005]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 12:21pm

i would say start with some voice lessons. if you college has a music school, there are probably some grad students who would LOVE to have a new student. if there aren't, try looking around the area to see if you can find any voice teachers.

also, DEFINITELY get involved with something!! even if it's a tiny community production, it'll give you an idea of what being on stage is like, even on a small scale.

if there's an acting class at your school, try to get into it!! it'll help build your skills and give you a better idea of what you want to do.

best of luck!

[vontusslegirl87]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 8:51pm

Thanks everyone!

I am gunna try out for my university's musical!
: )

One step at a time!

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 5:47am

Well, I didnt sing a note or do a show until my 18th year, and I have about 30 regional productions and films under my belt. John Mahoney, the father on Frasier, didnt start acting until he was 37. That isnt that as uncommon as you would think. Bear in mind that the older you get you actually become right for more character roles. Character actors work more than anyone. Study your ass off..learn the classics..audition all the time, and do as much theatre as you can. Oh and go rent out the movie, Rudy immediately...dont laugh...just DO IT! Lol. I dont like football but that movie is all about not giving up,working hard, and not letting anybody crap all over your dreams!