How to become a documentary filmmaker?

I want to become a Filmmaker or voice actor. High school drama class is so stupid? Or is it just me?

• I TRY to act and stuff but my stupid (new) teacher doesn't teach anything. I'm a Junior, taking Drama 1. I'm trying to make the best out of drama class because I'm going to Monroe Tech next year as a Senior so I only have ONE more space for one course. (I pick FRENCH 1. To hell with Drama 2, if she's still teaching it.) I really like acting, but the teacher doesn't even support. Like everyone does a stupid 3 minute act and she laughs at the retarded stuff they do (such as 2 guys slapping each others faces for 5 minutes exactly.) and when me and my partner do it, she doesn't laugh and just says, THANKS. (and we prepared pretty hard to think of a good 3 minute act!!) What the hell does she want?? A comedic show?? I actually want to LEARN how to act. Not fool around. I may be a bit cheesy and stupid for ranting this on yahoo answer but I seriously want to become a filmmaker and to do that i have to know what acting is and what it's like to act. Let me tell you an example: I always come in drama class with a great attitude and stuff and try to participate but TODAY.. OH, TODAY I got mad at her because there was absolutely NOTHING to do in drama class. Everybody was just either sleeping, texting, or talking. I didn't want to waste 2 hours of my life by not doing anything. I asked her if i can go next door to the Art class because I was bored and she said NO. I said there is nothing to do. she said that there is a LOT of things to do. I said, LIKE WHAT?!. She thought for a little bit and said to make a "bouquet of (fake) wedding flowers" that are in a box. I had not choice and did it. But she noticed that I was mad. she asked me that if i hate drama class or if its too boring for me. I said yes because there is nothing to do (I would've ranted and told her more what I REALLY thought, but my face was really red like a tomato and when i get super mad I randomly start to cry--i hate when that happens-- and i would look like a fool if i did that.) so she left me alone and let me do the work. After that, she said thanks for doing the work and i stayed silent because i felt some tears starting to form. so then i guess she thought i wasn't looking and then put the flowers i arranged which i ******* worked hard for BACK INTO THE BOX. So basically i did ALL THAT.. FOR NOTHING. What should I do? Should I just deal with it and be a good student? I only have 3 more months of school left anyways. Time passes by really quickly anyways. Should I just forget about stupid drama class and just take acting classes at college? Where I ACTUALLY learn. Please give me an honest but nice answer.

• Answer:

  As a responsible adult, I should tell you to get back to class and behave yourself. But to be honest, your teacher sounds like a waste of space. At your age, drama isn't such an important school subject, and it's only when you get to high school that it usually gets taught properly. I'd advise dropping out of that class if you can, or if you can't just get on with it and take a few play books into class with you and read them when there's nothing going on. When you get to high school, I'm optimistic that it will be very different for you! That's what my daughter found. At a higher level, it's taken seriously and you'll be able to progress from there. In the meantime, read plays and books, learn to sing and dance if you can, learn lots of other stuff as well - it all comes in useful for actors! Just try to chill and not get all upset and stressed for now. It's only 3 months. Patience is a skill which is very useful for actors! Be happy - life will get better. Good luck xx