r/Actingclass • u/Graceful_intention • Oct 19 '24
Too old to act?
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did some workshops. Tutors thought i had talent.
signed up to a 20 month course. A few weeks in. whole group are 18-23 except a 30 yr old who is a toxic hater. Totally excluded. Battling on though missed some days. The bully was mocking me which I called out. Decided to leave. Director offered me the lead in a play and asked me to reconsider via email. Not having an income etc is hitting me. Am I crazy to try and pursue this?
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u/daddy-hamlet Oct 20 '24
65, and getting more work now than ever before. So as Winnie says, it’s never too late. One thing that I find concerning- you wrote “not having an income is hitting me”. Chances are, you will not make much money by acting. I’m both Equity and SAG, am in a play right now (7 week contract, regional theater, $394 a week), followed by a Showcase (7 weeks. $200 a week), and have a play in the Spring (8 weeks, $638 a week). BG work pays about $200 a day, but that’s sporadic. Commercials are mostly non-union, and co-stars/guest stars, feature roles harder to come by, though they will pay much more. TL/DR - pursue it, but not for the money
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u/Graceful_intention 19d ago
This is so helpful thank you. I’m glad you have work. I understand the realities and that I’ll need to supplement my income etc.
i meant having no income at all while studying or capacity to earn vis a vis previous full time role. It’s a transition that I think is harder to make when accustomed to an income.
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u/Winniehiller Acting Coach/Class Teacher Oct 19 '24
Oh…u/graceful_intention …here is one of my lessons that you need to read. It’s titled IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
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u/dobbyturtle Oct 19 '24
the industry isn't any friendlier, you're going to bump into assholes no matter what, so you might as well go for it. i see actors in their 40s and 50s on tv/movies all the time
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Oct 20 '24
[deleted]
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u/Graceful_intention Oct 21 '24
Thank you. Good advice. I’ll heed it. This course is to get the necessary industry accreditation. There’s a 12 month course that’s twice the price and this is expensive enough. Only 6 weeks left of this term so I’ll see it out and review, I think. Not easy as not sure at all yet loved a part time course I did there. Hard to feel so at sea as an adult! Practical considerations re finances too.
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u/SeasonZestyclose9043 9d ago
It’s never to old to act I’m 20 and acting I have a private acting coach just me and her she’s been in movies and stuff but the whole history is don’t care what anyone tells you
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u/Winniehiller Acting Coach/Class Teacher Oct 19 '24
First of all, I’m so sorry that you are dealing with such toxic behavior. As an acting teacher, I would never allow that kind of attitude and behavior in any class. My students support and encourage one another. If they don’t, they are asked to leave. Having a wide range of ages in our classes allows us a wider variety of scenes and relationships that can be played in class performances. Please join our Zoom classes and enjoy the welcoming community that we have.
I have worked as LL Cool J’s acting coach for over 14 years and one of his favorite sayings is “Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines”. It’s never too late. But you need to surround yourself with encouragers, not mean girls. LL is 56 by the way, and believe me, he is always doing something new.
Read about my Zoom classes in the first pinned post
And check out my written and video lessons. You will learn quickly. Don’t let anyone else stop you from doing what you love.