Advice on persuing a performing arts career?

Question:

Advice on persuing a performing arts career?

I am a 13 year old girl and I have already decided what my career path will be: performing arts. I am leaning more towards singing. How can I persue this, and I don't want to have to wait 3 years to go on American Idol!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: At your age my best suggestion would be to look out into the community, or ask your parents to help you do some research on local community theatre. In my community there were quite a few theatre schools just for kids your age. If you can find a SPA (school of performing arts) or any kind of school/performance program-definitely check it out. If you were not blessed with a performing-arts-accomodating community like I was as a child, check out your local churches, or the one you belong to (if you belong to one). Churches are one of the best outlets for performance starving kids, they put on plays, and quite often musicals (so you can keep working on your singing :) ). Also you may want to look into voice lessons-remember-you can always improve yourself. Good luck!