13 Years Old Acting...

I want to try acting... I've never done it before, and it has always looked pretty cool to me.  What do you need to do to act? Are there any websites or books that are on acting?  I want to know everything! LOL.

Well, you can always audition for school plays, or community plays first. Take drama classes at school. You have to start somewhere. Most people don't just jump in and get to be in a movie or commercial, although if you check your local papers, if there is any filming going on in your area, you might answer a cattle call for extras. You may also need parental permission.

Once you have those things under your belt, then you can consider getting an agent, but you will want a parent or guardian to go with you. The agent may tell you to change your hair, gain or lose weight, get your teeth done, or any number of things to make you marketable. If you don't do it, the agent can drop you.

Then, the agent's job is to find you roles. They get a cut.

You can also go to college for a degree, and take classes in stage makeup, drama, speech, etc. The more experience you get, the better.

But I mean what is acting?  How do you be a good actress?

You learn to speak clearly, you learn to pretend to be someone else, you learn to make yourself look like someone else. If your school has drama and speech classes, you take 'em.

I used to hate speaking in front of crowds because I could feel my face get hot and red, but now I love talking in front of people, even though I'm still a little nervous.

My school had a Theatre Arts class, but it is one of many connections that the school chooses for you (I can't choose it).  But at the end of this year I can audition to be in Advanced Theatre for 8th grade next year... I want to try it, even though I don't know the first thing about acting, LOL.

I got two books on acting in the library the other day, but they are kind of confusing.  Do you have any suggestions?  And are there any websites for learning about acting?

The only thing I CANNOT do is sing in front of people. I mean my parents have never even heard me sing... I obviously need to build my confidence in that.

I have a lot of questions, LOL. 

It's not necessary to sing, although it is helpful. I guess it means that you just don't try out for musicals, or you take Choir classes or singing lessons.

It's okay not to know much about acting. You just want to know to speak clearly and enunciate your words, because you want people to be able to hear you while you are on stage. My Dad used to make me walk around with a pencil between my teeth and recite poems (with the pencil still in my mouth) until I could be understood clearly.

You can tape TV shows and pretend to be the people you see, trying to sound and behave like them until you're convincing.

If you audition, you are going to have to find a script of something you think might be interesting. Here's a website that has some scripts to choose from. Choose a character, and then think about the character. How do they feel inside? What do they think? How would they behave and dress?

Thanks a lot!  You were very helpful... If you have anything else, I'll be looking back at this post!

Id go with all suggestions above.
I believe to be a great actor or actress, you need two abilities.
1.) The ability to be someone else. Completely convince someone you are the character, with everything from your tone to your movement and actions and wardrobe.
2.) The ability to speak publicly. You need to be able to overcome stagefright and speak clearly, without awkwardness or absent-minded tone. Fidgeting and stuttering aren't propper, unless your character is nervous or insane.

I wish you good luck in pursuing the performing arts!
Start with doing impressions of people you know, and auditioning wherever possible- don't be afraid to embarass yourself at 13, and have fun!

Oh, I forgot to add... find out what is necessary for the audition. They may provide you with a script, or you may have to get your own. You might need to memorize it, or they may say it is all right to just read the lines.

Also, once in, make sure you memorize your lines. If you do forget your lines, try not to hesitate or stutter. Pause for a moment, as if your character is either pausing for emphasis or pausing to think, then resume. If you're very creative and you forgot a line, you can "ad lib" and make up a little something until you get back on track.

Also, take your time saying your lines. Don't rush through them, unless you are supposed to be a restless, hyper character.

Start with doing impressions of people you know

Good advice. Or choose favorite characters from your favorite movies. Try different accents. It's a lot of fun!

BTW, I do an excellent Marvin the Martian. ;-)

i am the same wayy..

i hae always wanted to be an actress

 

just reach for you goals...it takes alot of rejection and put downs so if your not confident enough you pride will be hurt

 

just achieve and dream!

The best way (IMO) is to learn is by doing.

There may be books or websites, but I don't know of any.