I want to become an actress but how do I start?

First off, if you're seriously considering becoming an actress, you can't think of it as lame. This is something that you have to love to do, and you must be willing to dedicate yourself to it. Acting is not short-term. You have to seriously commit to it if you want to get anywhere in the acting business. So don't "think" that you want to become an actress, KNOW. Acting is for people who seriously can't imagine doing anything else with their lives. They live and breathe acting. I don't understand what you mean by how you love to act when no one is around. Acting is all about performing in front of people. This is the only way that you can get over your shyness in this field. You don't necessarily have to go to an acting school to become an actress, but unless you're extremely talented, then it is advised. Here's how you get started: Are there any community theatres where you're at in Brazil? That's the best way to get involved in acting. You have to gain experience before you can accomplish anything in the acting business. Also, try to find an acting coach where you're at. This will help a lot too. (It's better to pursue an acting career in the US, so if you have the chance to move back, then do.) You shouldn't want to get into acting just to "help [your] mom and dad with the bills." It's a sweet gesture, but actors hardly ever get paid unless they make it big, which very few do. I'm going to tell you right now that acting isn't a way to support yourself. Have you ever heard the phrase "starving artist?" That's exactly how it is. I don't want to discourage you in any way. By all means, if acting is what you love to do, then seriously set out to do it. If not, then get an education in a career that can actually support you and help your parents pay the bills.

I don't think you want to be an actress, I think you want to be the people you see on the screen and that is not what being an actress is all about, that is an illusion of cameras, sound, lights, music, FX and editing. Acting work can get quite tedious and tiring and is not at all glamorous. Teens become professional actor because their parents make it happen for them. Another reason I don't believe you is that you have done no research on what being an actor is all about and you do not mention ever having been in a play. You start by being in all the school and community plays you can. You have to be a US citizen or have a green card or be an imported star to act professionally in the US. Acting schools cost Thirty thousand dollars or more a year. I invite you to read everything I have posted at http://www.theatredoconacting.blogspot.com and learn something about acting and acting as a career.

Here's how you get into acting: The first thing you need is experience. You should start small and work on building a resume to submit to potential agencies (when the time comes) You should try out for school plays and local community theatre shows. Take as many acting classes as possible. Read some books on acting (those by Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Kristen Linklater and Jack Poggi are great). If you feel you are ready, look up auditions on http://www.actorsaccess.com/index.cfm?fl%E2%80%A6 http://www.backstage.com/bso/index.jsp http://actinginfo.blogspot.com/ All three websites are reputable, legitimate and free. You generally need a head shot and resume (this website has great information on creating a resume http://www.sharonsmithtalent.com/mtm/Tal%E2%80%A6 When you have enough experience you should begin to look for an agent. Look up agents on the SAG website. An agent will get you more auditions

Acting School or entering local productions the better you are the more likely you will be recognised by a company that will hire you for their production $$ :) Good Lucky