Here at breakalegg we dont usually do reader mailbags but this particular question has come up several times and I wanted to answer in a way that might reach other people in a similar situation…
I’m 16 and a junior in high school never acted, but I’m very good at making people laugh and I was thinking of doing stand up/ Acting/ improv for starters and getting my name out. Me and my family are low on income I’m not looking at acting as a way out, its just that I have a desire for some reason to act. I have no previous experience in acting. I’m new to this game. But is it to late to start at 16? I’ve done my homework and I see that most “actors” are born with middle class parents who can afford acting lessons and taking them all over to make their kids known. My mom and sis are all I have. And we have trouble making it. But through our odds we’re making it. Also say I did get it, my family cant move to Hollywood or New York. If your in a low income family then what happens where do you go? Anyway I’m in band right and I play the drums I was going to change one of my electives to drama class. And begin my career their. Before I wanted to be an actor I wanted to be a doctor or a video game designer. I figure that if I had to choose between those I should choose the one ill most enjoy. So what if you were in my shoes. What would you do? (P.S.) this letter is to help me figure out what I should do and thank you for your time. -Michael.
Dear Michael,
First of all let me say I think its great that you have a knack for bringing smiles and laughter into other peoples lives. It is often said that it is much harder to make someone laugh than it is to make them cry. That being said…who told you most actors come from middle/upper class? Most actors move to LA or NY with little or no savings and just the dream of making it big in their pockets. Some move in with friends, or share apts, and have several “day-jobs” to pay for bills and classes or other acting expenses. Acting is very expensive and bear in mind that 80% of the SAG affiliated actors earn less than 10,000 dollars a year from acting. Thats not nearly enough yet they manage to continue doing it. I think the only way you are going to make it is if you really want it. Yes, it would be great if you had a supportive wealthy family, but if you dont, AND you still want to pursue it, just get creative. Join amateur comedy/theater groups or form one in your town. Join amateur theater classes, start a podcast, write sketches and perform them for friends and family… and save up to try and one day make a move to a bigger city. It doesnt have to be LA or NY, it can just be a big enough city where you can start to earn a living by working as a comedian in clubs, theaters, TV or even radio stations… If you do make money, invest it in further training or moving to an even bigger city…etc. Everyone in showbiz has to start somewhere. Dont think that because you arent in LA or NY you cant make it. There are plenty of places where comedy or entertainment are still very much in demand and you can make a living of what makes you happy.
P.S. As far as age. You are never too old to be an actor. Thankfully there are always roles for any age bracket. And you are 16. Thats younger than 90% of the people moving out to LA or NY every day. Dont worry.
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