Contrary to popular belief, it's not necessarily the same thing as being a lesbian (though it's fine to be both)... and it doesn't usually involve much in the way of fame and fortune (though that can happen), but it is fun!!

IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE unless you're trying to compete for roles you aren't suited for.  Get real about this so you don't disappoint yourself.  If you're thirty and have always looked young for your age you still are not likely to be right for the nineteen-year-old role on camera.  You may look nineteen on the street, but when you're in a casting office with real nineteen-year-olds (and younger), and the camera goes in for a close-up, your age will be more noticable.  Of course we all know it wouldn't really matter what your technical age is if they'd just give you the role - the audience can't see your age printed on your forehead - it's just that the people in the casting office and the producers behind the scenes will be standing you next to a bunch of teeny-boppers.  HOWEVER, if you do get called in for the role –-go and give it your best shot without ever thinking about the age thing.  You never kn...  Also, your on-stage age range will be much wider than your on-camera age range, because there are no close-ups on stage.  Either way, in almost very play, television show and movie there are roles for various ages.  Your smaller (and older or younger) part will often be much more interesting than the lead role, so just enjoy yourself and let age matter less than some people want to make it matter!

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE!  Once you start really scrutinizing actors in film and on television you will notice how many roles there are for "normal-looking" people.  If you're an average to above-average looking person and you're trying to look glamorous for every role you're actually less likely to book them.  California and New York have plenty of glamorous, perfect-looking people who are eighteen.  Stand out by being the best of yourself you can be.  Be the one sticking your gut out while everyone else is sucking theirs in!  Believe it or not, you're more likely to get the role.  Don't let your ego get in the way here.

LEARN HOW TO ACT!  Actors must always be perfecting their craft.  In order to be competitive, you must be continually practicing and learning.  Sign up for an acting class and force yourself to get there every week no matter what - working actors are actors who are training.

GET YOURSELF A GOOD HEADHOT - it should look like you (no glamour shots), show some personality, be of good quality, and measure 8"x10" including the border.  Go to someone with headshot experience.  Make a stack of these, and attach a resume to the back of each one with a staple at the top and a staple at the bottom, so they won't get separated.  You should be able to look at your picture on the front, then turn it over and read your resume on the back.  If you have no experience at all, get creative on your resume.  List your name at the top, give a contact number if you don't have an agent (but ONLY if you don't have an agent - and this should be a cell phone, NOT a home phone), list your stats (height, weight, eye color, hair color, measurements if you know them).  List your life experiences if you have nothing else to say, but if you were in the high school play, absolutely list it.  At the bottom you should list your special skills - things like horseback or motorcycle riding, dance, singing, languages, etc.  Humor on a resume is usually a good thing!  Get creative so you stand out, but don't go overboard with it to the point of being obnoxious.

SEND YOUR HEADSHOTS OUT to agents and casting directors in your area after you've gotten some basic training and feel comfortable on stage and on came... then don't give up!

MY BOTTOM-LINE ADVICE?  Just go for it, and have a blast.  Everyone in your life will think you've lost your mind when you first mention it, but you'll soon find your peers are a bright and bizarre group of artists with huge hearts, a penchant for fun, and little in the form of boundaries.

What I've given you above are some basic guidelines for getting started.  There is a lot to know.  I can't stress enough the importance of getting involved in a class in your area and getting to know other actors.  Develop an atmosphere of mutual support with one another, and begin the joyous adventure of acting in movies, television, commercials and theatre!!!!

Happy Trails,

Anne