What qualities to I really need to become an 'actress'?

Question:I am only 14 years old and there is nothing more I want than to become an actress, I'm not necessarily looking for fame, but I want to be on films. I want to look for an agent but I don't know whether i should or not, as I don't know if I have what it takes. Sometimes I think 'yeah, go for it!' but other times I just don't have the confidence. Also, I cannot sing, and I'm probably not prepared to take lessons as I know that I would be no good, do I need to be able to sing? I would really like to get into acting now as I think I have left it long enough, I should have gotten into it at a younger age as it is so nerve racking at my age. So please, can anyone help, I really need some good advice :) x

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am only 14 years old and there is nothing more I want than to become an actress, I'm not necessarily looking for fame, but I want to be on films. I want to look for an agent but I don't know whether i should or not, as I don't know if I have what it takes. Sometimes I think 'yeah, go for it!' but other times I just don't have the confidence. Also, I cannot sing, and I'm probably not prepared to take lessons as I know that I would be no good, do I need to be able to sing? I would really like to get into acting now as I think I have left it long enough, I should have gotten into it at a younger age as it is so nerve racking at my age. So please, can anyone help, I really need some good advice :) x

Here's what you'll need, and this answer may sound discouraging, but it's not intended to. I'm a working actor in Chicago and a member of SAG, AFTRA, and Actors Equity, so I think I know of what I speak.

Talent - It can't be taught and it's difficult to gauge, but it's the essence of what you want to do.

Patience - You've heard it before, I'm sure, but I'll say it again because it's the truth. You're not going to succeed over night. If you do this thing, you will be building a career and a lifestyle.

Experience - Using your local paper, the internet, the phone book, whatever... find your local theatres and find out when they're auditioning. Then go, audition, and take every part you can get your hands on. Every part you get is an opportunity not just to act, but to learn by watching others. Milk it for all it's worth.

Another Way of Making Money - And I don't mean learn how to type. I don't mean "have something to fall back on." I mean have another skill that you can make money doing while you make your way as an actor. It sucks, but it's necessary.

Courage - Be fearless. You will make a living exposing yourself to judgment. If you can't take the heat, this is not the kitchen for you.

Luck - Again, it sucks, but it's true.

Don't worry about not being able to sing. Don't worry about your current lack of experience. Focus on your strengths, for now. Once you've built up what you can do, you can work on what's a challenge for you.

An agent is incredibly beneficial if you want to break into film. Confidence is also helpful, but if you look at Johnny Depp you realize it's not totally necessary. Singing is also not key in acting unless you want to do musicals. So I say just go for it. There aren't any standards to becoming an actress.