by MariaSofia Tonino
(Long Beach, NY USA)
QUESTION:
I have been acting, singing and dancing for most of my life. Sadly my life took some very bad turns and I veered way off track for a very long time. I am now 45 years old and trying very hard to heal from my past and get the life I always wanted and deserved. Over the past 5 or 6 years I have studied acting at HB and TVI and have taken private classes from an amazing teacher. I want to continue to study but I would like to know if I am just too old to “get started” as an actress. I would like to be a working actress. It has been my dream since I was in junior high school, unfortunately my dreams were pretty much thrown away. I now have my dream back and really want to do it. Can you offer any suggestions. Yes, I am 45 years old but look at least 10 years younger and I am very physically fit. I speak English, Spanish and Italian fluently, if that helps at all. I can sing and dance and am very determined. I just don’t know where to start. Can you help me please.
ANSWER:
I personnally think you’re never too old to follow your dream. If your dream is to act, regardless of fame and fortune, you should be able to find auditions for smaller roles and non-union projects that you have a fair shot at. There are not many actresses who start at 45, which means there may be more non-union roles available than you realize. Speaking several languages fluently, especially Spanish, will also come in handy when the right auditions come along. Just continue to study so you can be ready when opportunities come your way and submit to auditions based on your age range, not your actual age. Once you start building your resume, you can go after bigger roles too.
Good luck.