Hi,
I have wanted to be an actor for my entire life, but due to some unfortunate situations, I was unable to get training until now, and I am 16 years old. I know that the field is unbelievably competitive, but is there any chance that if, somehow, I end up being very talented, and if I work harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, I might be able to get into a school?
If not, what are some other majors that might be able to fulfill this aspiration?
Thank you so much!
Never too late at all. Yes its competitive but talent has no age restrictions.
@emma42…it is not too late for you to get training. .None of us here can assess your talent of skill set. Hopefully, you can get a professional in the field who can evaluate your skill set in junior year in terms if you are competitive for BFA in Acting programs. However, you don’t necessarily need to find “another major!” You could apply to BA Theater programs which usually do not require an audition to be admitted (some do), and you can go to college and pursue this field that way! Your level of acting skills will not be a factor in such programs for admissions (those that don’t require audition to get in, which are most BA degree programs).
I agree! Just get started! It is not too late.
Thank you so much for all of your encouragement!! 
@emma42…see if you can take either private acting lessons or a class. If you are already a junior in high school, look into monologue coaching leading up to the college audition process (but again, also apply to non-audition BA in Theater colleges). Try out for the school play and any community theater near you. If at all possible and feasible, look into a summer day or residential program for acting/theater (for this summer, do not delay).
Also remember that college is only one pathway to a career in acting/performing. There are lots of successful members of the industry who did not go to or graduate from college.
It is very true that there are many people in the theater industry who did not go to college! That said, it is my opinion that going to college is very beneficial. For one thing, you become an educated person. For another, having a college degree can serve you well in life for the long term for employment no matter what you do for work over the years. As well, it is a good experience and transition between growing up at home and entering adulting.
@soozievt – agree with your assessment, and it can include any kind of life experience. I like the story of Adam Driver (perhaps the most talented young actor in Hollywood today). He applied to Julliard. Didn’t get in. Went into the Marines, which he said gave him the confidence to project himself much more effectively, reapplied, and got in.
Oh, for sure – college is definitely the right pathway for my oldest. I have another performing child for whom the jury is still out. College might not be the best pathway. We know an actor who went straight into a 2-year actor training program after high school, worked in various capacities in the industry for 6 years, THEN went to college at 27 years old. It’s not like there’s a specific time frame for getting that experience if it needs to be part of your story.
I just really, really want any student who is really committed to a career in performance but isn’t ready for a BFA program to know there’s more than one way to skin a cat. The devastation some of these kids feel when there are no BFA “yes” answers just breaks my heart because it’s not necessary! There are lots of ways to chase that dream.
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And there are lots of great, 4-year BA theatre programs at liberal arts schools. Tons!
Would you know of any or be able to tell me about some? I’m looking for liberal arts schools that have good theatre programs (not MT). I’ve already looked at Vassar, Wesleyan, Skidmore & Muhlenberg, also I am male, so can’t go to Wellesley or Barnard.
Are you only looking for liberal arts schools? Schools that offer great BA programs that are both bigger and liberal arts schools are Northeastern, Brown, Fordham (BA but audition based), George Washington, and Oberlin.
@apizzle62 , Fortunately for you, there are literally hundreds. You can start by adding Drew University, Sarah Lawrence College, Bard, and Connecticut College to your list (I’m guessing based on your list that you are seeking to stay in the northeast?). A little further afield are Northwestern, Oberlin, and Kenyon. If you want an audition in BA you can look at American University.
Best of luck to you!
Hi again,
I have another running list of top BFA programs. This may seem odd but I’m going for two kinds of schools: very competitive BFA’s (depaul, USC, Chapman), and liberal arts schools with good BA’s (Muhlenberg, Wesleyan, Vassar, I’ve also included northwestern even though its larger). I’ll have a look at brown, does it require auditions?
So my son did the same, he will be attending a BFA acting program but did apply to a bunch of BA acting programs as an alternative/backup. He did not apply to Brown but it was on the initial list, none of the ones that you are listing have an audition but Muhlenberg does have a supplement for scholarship. Northeastern has an audition that is used to help your application. The others have no audition or acting supplement. If you are looking for a smaller school, my S liked and was admitted to Emerson for a BFA which is highly selective.