<p>I think it all depends on one's commitment. If someone is willing to sacrifice and risk failing, it's all good. I needed to get a PhD in English despite the fact that we were in a deep recession and was told I had very little chance of getting a job. It's certainly not anything one does for money. However, even if i had not been able to step into a classroom I would have been content with the five years I spent studyibg and writing a doctoral dissertation. As it happens, I do earn my living as a college professor.</p>
<p>My daughter at 5'2" turned out to short to dance professionally as a ballerina. And even though she was a skinny kid and still wears sizes 0 - 2, she also turned out too curvy. However, she certainly was the most frequently selected by guys in partnering class. She is now moving into Law, but I know she does not regret one minute she spent as a dancer. </p>
<p>I think it depends ion goals. One dear friend went to Juillaiard as a piano prodigy but never established a concertizing career. He is content to teach. Another person in that position might prefer to go into I-Banking.</p>
<p>Tarhunt -- I think you are being very generous to share your insights, and your cautions are very important, but I know middle-aged computer programmers who are out of work. And then there is always the possibility, no matter how slim, that a stereotype can be altered, as Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman did. Both have been cast as romantic leads as has Allison Janey who was told she could only play lesbians and aliens.</p>
<p>Neither of my children wanted to buck the odds. My talented 17-year-old son who is only 5'7" had his situation compounded by evolving into a bass. No parts there -- he can't take juvenile roles. He's planning on medicine and switched his performing interest to the violin. He did, however, once get to play Michael in Peter Pan and fly!</p>
<p>Tarhunt, yea for you in being 6'2". (Not sarcastic. Sincere.) I am sure it's a tremendous advantage. However, kids gotta do what kids gotta do.</p>
<p>I have always heard that it is somewhat of an asset to be a shorter female in MT because taller girls tend to look awkward with their leading men if they are taller than them (especially in heels or character shoes). Anyway, I hope not. I'm 5'2"!</p>
<p>How many 40-year-olds -- in ANY profession -- are living the life they anticipated at the age of 18? Not many, I'm sure. But I have always felt that the skills you learn as a performer can be applied successfully to many other professions. So my inclination is to say -- if you have talent and drive, go for it while you're young. Of course, then you need to be wise enough to face reality if things don't go your way.</p>
<p>mythmom:</p>
<p>Nicely done! I really like the way you mounted an attack on the 6' 2" thing. What you don't know, of course, is that this is the way actors talk. They have to talk this way if they are going to be realistic about where they spend their time auditioning and for what sorts of roles. And if THEY won't be realistic, their agents will do it for them, and none too gently. If you'd ever been fitted in a costume shop, you would know what it's like to have your body discussed like a piece of meat right in front of you, and it usually goes something like this:</p>
<p>Costumer 1: "What do you think we can do about her hips?"</p>
<p>Costumer 2: "Well, the renderings call for white pants, but that will make her look like a bowling pin."</p>
<p>Costumer 1: "Yeah, we may need to rethink this. I'll talk to Bob about what kind of effect he wants. He may want the bowling pin look."</p>
<p>Costumer 2: "True. It's a comedy. Every time she turns around, she'd probably get a laugh."</p>
<p>Ah Tarhunt. What you took as a veiled attack was probably envy pure and simple on behalf of my son. I read a thread yesterday about how guys 5'7' can't get girls. But since H got me, I'll try not to worry. (LOL.)</p>
<p>Oh, thinking of this thread and the comments that a 5' woman can't play with a 6'+ man, my mind served up the image of 4'11" Jane Powell married to 6'4" Howard Keel in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Both glorious voices. Every time we watch it my daughter yells, "How does she dekiver his baby?"</p>
<p>You're daughter has nothing to worry about. </p>
<p>I'm going to be a freshman at University of Michigan in the fall, and two of the 8 girls in my class are below 5'3". And a recent graduate was 5'0". So, Michigan does not discriminate!</p>