I really want to be an actress, but...............?

Question:I'm the least confident person I've ever heard of. I have panic attacks about saying one word in front of my class. [im 14] plus im really ugly, and most actresses i've heard of are pretty... I really dont know why, and I've never told anybody, but I've always wanted to be an actress. Any idea's of what I can do to make this happen? Plus, I realise this doesn't really have any relevance, but ah well, I might as well say it anywho- I REALLY wish I was american, since I figure that'd make it a bit easier to become an acress as most good programs and films and stuff are american, right?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm the least confident person I've ever heard of. I have panic attacks about saying one word in front of my class. [im 14] plus im really ugly, and most actresses i've heard of are pretty... I really dont know why, and I've never told anybody, but I've always wanted to be an actress. Any idea's of what I can do to make this happen? Plus, I realise this doesn't really have any relevance, but ah well, I might as well say it anywho- I REALLY wish I was american, since I figure that'd make it a bit easier to become an acress as most good programs and films and stuff are american, right?

Yes, actresses do come in all shapes and sizes...and sometimes the ugly duckling turns out to be a beautiful swan...don't be too harsh on yourself. If you really want to be an actress it will take lots of hard work, just like everything else in life. You need to train and as someone mentioned earlier, you need to learn your craft. May I suggest that you begin by taking some acting classes or if you are unable to do that, try to get a small part in a school or community play. We all need to start somewhere, and starting small is an ideal way to gain confidence. Of course, you will have to learn to audition but if you prepare yourself, it should go smoothly. In your case, I suggest that you prepare very well, before your first audition, so that you will be confident in what you are doing. For more information about preparing for auditions you can go to http://www.musical-theater-kids.com/kids...
Keep working on improving your skills and think positive...good luck!

Start small go to your local Library and get a list of Local Amateur Societies and see if you can join The Chourus.
Or work back stage till you pluck up the courage to audition for something. Acting is for all shapes and sizes there is parts for everybody.

Acting is not about confidence or looks. It's about craft and art. Both of which can be taught. Finish your regular schooling then go to drama school. The best you can find (or afford). The rest is luck.

Self-confidence often comes with self knowledge. I don't think that being an actress - or an American, for that matter -- is the real problem here. It sounds like you want to be the exact opposite of how you see yourself.

Problem: We're all given a set of circumstances and tools to deal with them. At 14, you may not be aware of what you really ARE good at, and so you fantasize about being something exotic or far away.

I will not judge you. You're a human being and you have your own growth path. I would suggest, however, that you try a small part in a school or community production before setting your heart on a lifetime of acting lessons. If the bug has bitten you, you will want to be in more and more productions, and the rest will follow. If you freeze, can't memorize your lines or feel naked on a stage, it might be kinder to your soul to search for other outlets for your energy. Be at peace, little sister -- the answers will come, they just take time.

You don't have to be drop dead gorgeous to be successful in acting. Barbara Streisand and Rosie O'Donnell come to mind.

You won't ever get rid of the jitters completely - good actors know how to harness that energy to propel their performance.

You don't need to be American to have better chances. Most Americans probably don't realize how many actors and actresses are Austrian and Canadian.

Success in that industry has more to do with who you know, rather than how good you are. Some of it is about persistance (see Sylvester Stallone's story). It's a tough road, but if you're really passionate about it, and you have something to offer - there's no reason you can't succeed. But always have a plan-b.

I kinda know how you feel. I also want to be an actress. I also used to get panic attacks when i got in front of people too. Well what has helped me is talking to my self in the mirror, and just getting used to talking to something. I also used to find my self unattractive. But instead of telling your self that you are ugly, you need to start finding things about yourself that is good. No one will think you are beautiful until you think you are. you can become anything you want if you set your mind to it. Plus, hollywood needs all different kinds of people. American or not. be proud of who you are. I used to be the same way that you are but now that i got my confidence up, I am doing compititions, commercials, and winning awards. So don't listen to anyone that puts you down. they are just doing it becuase they are jelous or feel insecure about themselves. A good place to start your career in John Robert Powers Acting School. Thats were I go. It is very good becuase the classes are extremely small and they give each student a lot of attention. They will help you get over your shyness too. :)

See you in hollywood!

wow... you sound like a younger version of me when i was little.. (I'm 15).... I used to get so nervous when i was little.... not panic attacks but you understand. I see the problem is your self confidence level..... you need to get that up.... find 10 new and good things to say to yourself every single day, and say it in front of the mirror....

And what is Beauty anyway? it's just like fashion... People are brainwashed into thinking "that's cool and pretty" or "that's totally Hideous"

I'm pretty sure that there are some very good acting locations in your area... get some experience under your belt (start small) and then branch out, get yourself an agent and then if you want to move to America, then do it.
Understand that it is a pretty harsh business and you need to get a tough skin to handle it... that's why you need a high confidence level, or the media will tear you to shreds......

Good Luck and i hope you make it!

You've got the same exact attitude I had at 14. I'm 20 now and I've pretty much gotten over enough of my insecurities to enjoy being on stage.

I know it's what you expect to hear but you've just got to find your confidence. I doubt that you've very ugly and even if you don't meet the stereotypes of the glamourous Hollywood actresses, you can still be an actress. Acting is a business largely based on a person's looks. But quirky characteristics, uncommon features are definitely welcome.

To overcome your fear of public speaking just practice. Volunteer to answer a question in class, go up to the board. Small steps go a long way.

try something out for my for a second, put your hand on you chest where your heart is, close your eyes, put your mind back to your class room, imagine everyone staring at you as usual, i know this is a frightening thought.

now make them into the things you less fear off or something that makes you smile like teddy bears or an empty room, take 3 deep breaths and talk to youe class in your mind, once you concour that the rest will follow

Dnt listen to mrs doubtfire

Trust me I was unbelievably quiet but after about 5 acting classes you will start to notice that you feel easier about performing... in the mean time just think ' im going to be famous, so who cares what these people think' although they wont think anything anyway if you're confident. Don't let worries of what people who will probably be nothing stand in the way of achieving what you want to achieve.

And how you look doesn't have much to do with how far you get, just try to have something different in your attitude and acting style that other people won't be able to bring.

I'm sure this is pretty obvious but always be extremely polite in auditions and try not to talk too much. Go in, do what you're asked to do and leave with a quick but confident thankyou.

Good luck

Ever heard the saying you can be anything you want to be?

Well not in you case, you will never be an actress.

Stay in school, and don't do drugs.