How can I to start my career as an actress?

I want to be an actress, I'm 14 and want a career in acting, how should i start?

• 14 year old female, not much experience but want to get some in these years.

• Answer:

  The whole process of acting can be a confusing merry-go-round. Generally, an actors life begins like this: Getting involved in a local community theatre. Doing plays, musicals, acting, for free. (To find auditions, look theatres up online - many post their upcoming auditions - or do a local search for theatres, and you can call them up and ask. Don't be intimidated. They answer those calls all day long.) Putting those creds on what's called a "resume". A piece of paper with all the work you've done. It tells directors how much experience you have. If you don't have ANY, fear not. Often times community theatres may cast you in smaller roles, chorus, or ensemble if you don't have experience. That's how you GAIN it. Then you do more shows. On and on and on. More on your resume. You'll probably want to take some skill classes in here. Acting. Dancing. Improv. Auditioning for Film. Film Acting. There are many different classes offered out there from private instructors, theatres, or studios. Take what you can. Those go on your resume too. If you decide to follow this into college, maybe even attending a Performing Arts college, so much the better. More resume cred. By this point, you'll probably feel like dabbling in some film. Student films from local colleges or universities are a great place. Contact the departments to see if any student directors are holding auditions. Often you can find this kind of info also on Craigslist. Just be mindful and cautious of course. Perhaps you live in a larger market to where you can get some real, bona fide on camera extra work. DO IT. Being an extra is great experience, gets you familiar with a set, and film jargon, and can possibly even help you towards gaining your Union card. Once you have some theatre, maybe some film, you may be able to approach agents in your area. Different agents will like different things when you submit, but most will want your resume, headshot, and a demo reel of your previous work. If they like you, and have a need for you, it may be just that simple. Sometimes you have to beat down their doors for a LONG time. SOME agencies won't even talk to you if you come to them. They only go after people THEY want. THEY'LL come to YOU in that case. (That's when you're a bit bigger deal). Acting comes in many varieties. There are people who make a living just doing extra work. Some are professional voice over artists. You never see their face, but you hear them all the time. Some people live doing commercials. Some go on and do television, movies, or spend their lives doing theatre. ALL of it is "acting" Remember - an agent only gets you AUDITIONS. The company will come to the agent with the "types" they're looking for. I'm not going to get called in to a Nike commercial audition if they have only asked my agent to see Asian women. That's just how it goes. I drive 2 hours away often for auditions, sometimes more! But this is my career. It's what I DO. Acting is hard work, and takes commitment. If you're expecting to "make it" right away, you may be in for some disappointment. But, if you're committed to this path, and it's your passion, it can be VERY fulfilling. Best of luck with your decisions.