so i'm getting kind of scared/nervous/anxious

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 3:58am

I have been taking musical theater classes for the past few weeks, just sort of something for me to do. I used to do theater in high school, then did a musical in college (SDSU!!!) then just kind of stopped. I went on with my bachelors and Masters and am now in a career- one that I do love and enjoy being in. But I took the theater classes so I can get back into do something that I missed and I do love. Well, it seems that my teacher is impressed that I've never taken vocal lessons ever in my life (I'm 26), and I have this great voice and am good actor. Basically we sing a song every week and we have to act it out for the class (this is really basic theater class, no one's a professional many beginners who are also singing for the first time). Well after about four classes, he says that I should start auditioning because I have the talent, essentially. Some voice lessons to really strengthen my voice would be beneficial, stuff like that. So here's the thing... my friends think I should just go out there and just try it... which I know I should do... but I'm scared. REALLY scared. I haven't done this stuff in years and I don't know really how to psyche myself out and whatnot. I'm really only a theater person and that's all I'd want to do. I love musicals but I can't dance to save my life. I JUST CAN'T DANCE! I have faith in my singing and acting, none in dancing... but what kind of advice would anyone out there give someone like me... if you can kinda summarize my emotions right now... I really want to do it... I really went to get myself out there... but I'm so scared... I feel.... old.. haha... for a 26 year old... but I truly respect a lot of you on this board and know that most of you would be honest and stuff... so... i guess that's it.... let her rip....

[teth]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 4:07am

I cannot give professional advice...but I guess the one thing that I can say is...what's the harm in trying?

You're only young once (while you think 26 is old...but that's beside the point). You don't want to think back when you're 40 or something and regret not going after it.

And, "you gotta go after the things you want while you're still in your prime."

[Katecab99]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 10:36am

Go for it!! I'm 23 and graduating from school with a B.A in English (go figure!) and have every intention of pursing theatre. I feel like 23 is old for getting myself started, but there's no harm in trying. I always figure that if I don't try, I'll never know if I could have done it, and that would be even worse!

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 11:49am

Hi guys, I was in a similar position, so let me tell you my experiences-

I graduated from NYU with a B.A. in Anthropology and English Lit. I worked for a few years in publishing while taking theatre classes in the evenings. Then I decided it was time to audition (I was about 27- and at the time felt it was old but it's NOT). So I did the odd one here and there during lunch breaks. Well, before I knew it I was up for a leading role in
a Broadway musical. I was also up for a big Nat'l Tour.

I just turned 30 (UGH!) but casting agents assume I'm 24 and I get called in for teens/20s. I was called in recently for another B'way show and also a show in L.A.

My advice to you: go for it! What's the big deal? Give yourself specific goals and deadlines, and if you find you're not meeting them, you always have a career to go back to.

Also- I'm not a born dancer, but have been studying at B'way Dance Center, and I nailed my last dance callback.

I KNOW how scary it is to leave health insurance, 401K, etc. etc. but you do not want to be 70 years old asking "What if?"