AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Yes, I, too, was a young person wishing to be "a movie star" (in my case) and how I longed to be a child star like my peers; i.e., Melissa Gilbert, Jodie Foster and Brooke Shields.
These questions pop up a lot on Yahoo Questions [Arts & Humanities, Theatre & Acting]. And often followed with as soon as possible! Usually, the person posting the question is a child or teenager in some small town and a fan of the Twilight films, Miley Cyrus, the Disney Channel or the book "Wicked"; and various other programs aimed at young people.
Why do they need to "get an agent" ASAP? Why must they "become actor's or actresses" ASAP?
Perhaps, like many young people, they lack self-esteem and/or they are under some false impression they can solve or cure the financial situation of their family.
Many of us, even us who are older, often think that a career in acting; albeit a "successful one", means we will be adored, loved and have no financial problems. The media tells us Angelina Jolie gets paid $25 million per film. And that is a lot of money.
What most young people, and even some of us older ones don't understand are the facts:
1) People such as Angelina Jolie grew up in Hollywood with famous parents.
If Angelina Jolie was born to a non-acting family in Phoenix, AZ; she may not be exactly where she is now. Talent notwithstanding.
2) Hollywood, New York and other places are full of beautiful, handsome, very talented people who don't, will not and won't ever get a chance to show their beautiful talent to the world.
Yet, with patience . . . and a good solid "plan", your chance of success, in anything, goes up 25% or more!
This advice is mostly aimed toward my youngsters out there with "big dreams", those who are still under 18-years-old and in school.
You need training . . .school. Without your education and without your parents full support.
Child stars, such as Jodie Foster (a child star in the 70s) and Miley Cyrus (currently); had a parent, or both, guiding and giving the child their full attention for this career.
If your parents are not behind your "plan" at this point in your life. You have to wait until you receive your true Declaration of Independence. Which is: Your High School Graduation Diploma.
You are, in no way, ready for an agent; if you:
1) Do not have your parent(s) full-time support.
2) You do not live in Los Angeles, CA or New York City.
This is a reality check. And if you need it ASAP, this tells me you are looking for something an agent or acting/singing cannot offer.
Is it stability and/or money and/or fame and/or having people love or like you?
In fact, acting/singing lends itself to the opposite: unemployment (or working as a Waiter/Waitress) . . .
* homelessness and begging/borrowing from relatives, spouses and boyfriends/girlfriends just to eat and keep a roof over your head . . .
* fame has nothing to do with success or confidence . . .
* people loving or liking you comes from loving and liking yourself and not worrying about what the world thinks of you.
An agent won't even look at you unless you have resume with professional credits (i.e. national commercials or professional training).
The number one "talent" you need for a successful career and personal fulfillment is: Patience
