I have a f*cking commerce degree!!

[drowsymaggi2]

Posted: 8/25/07 at 11:52am

I have been reading these boards for years but only registered today. I'm 20 and I got my final results and I got a really great honours degree - in commerce. I live in Ireland and there is no acting degree program so I started uni and studied commerce and French. However I have only ever wanted to act and I started classes in my first year at uni and joined a youth drama club. I do a lot of extra work and this summer I filmed an advert in Argentina. I am now focusing solely on acting and I know its a risk and everyone thinks I'm crazy because I could get a great job in a stuffy office somewhere and make $$$ but I would not be happy at all.
Basically I have made a pact with my mother that if this doesn't work out I will use my degree and get a job in business. However I was can't imagine giving up , it seems almost impossible to me to say I'll quit at 40 if it doesn't work out. I can see myself at 70 living in a loft somewhere preparing for an audition.lol!
Anyway I came here to vent and also to ask a few questions
1) Do you think that it is possible for an actor to give up at a certain point?
2) When you can't afford therapy is there any way of getting over the sense that you wasted 4 years of your life doing a commerce degree?
3) Best jobs to pay the rent? My friend wants me to set up a production company with him but I wouldn't have time for both.
4) Any other advice would be appreciated.

If you read this thanks a lot because most people just get a glazed look when I mention that I'm taking up acting.

[n2005]

Posted: 8/25/07 at 2:10pm

Well good for you for following your instincts. Its a cliche but you have to try . I think you shouldn't be too upset about having a degree at all, education is a good thing and it should help you in the business end of things , you may not always be just an actor you could start a production company later on .

To answer your questions:
1)Well it happens but there will always be something missing in a performer who has to sit at a desk all day.

2)There wasn't much you could do , there was no acting program in your country and any degree is good. Dont sweat about it , focus on your new career now.

3)Dare I say it waitressing , although I dont think they tip in Ireland so?? But it needs to be flexible . I'm working on getting a real estate licence.

4)Just go for it. Constantly develop your craft. Get all the experience you can and dont take criticism personally. BTW Congrats on the advert!

[bingbong]

Posted: 8/28/07 at 12:39pm

Get your bottom down to london :)
Maybe apply for a postgrad at one of the drama schools here - that will be a big step into the business. It's expensive, but there should always be help avaliable with funding.

There is a lot more oppertunity here, but also a lot more competition. Do it and have fun :) xx