Stress

[ConfusedMichelle]

Oy! I need help, guys.

I've been accepted into an incredible acting conservatory in New York City.  I have all of my financial aid figured out and every thing.  All I have to do is fax one piece of paper and it's all said and done!

But I just can't push myself to do it and I don't know why. It's my dream coming true and yet I'm hesitant.

Its not because of my boyfriend because he can come with.  I think it's a tiny bit homesickness, because my mom is incredible.  But I could cope.  I think it's spending $80,000 and not knowing if I'll have decent acting jobs afterward. That's a LOT of money.

Also, I'm actually a bit wary of living in New York City.  It's a big place for this little ole' Texas boy.

Advice?  I have to turn in my enrollment agreement by Friday if I go.

[Miniar]

Sometimes you have to do what you truly "want" to do, even if that means spending an outragious sum of money.

If what you truly want is to be an actor, then you should have the will required to pursue jobs even if it's hard, and thus will find work.

[tekla]

Its a lot of debt to take on given what the situation is for actors.  If you're what other people consider very good (your own opinion is worthless as you can't cast yourself) then it might be worth it.  What kind of roles do you think your going to do, considering its all typecasting?  And, in the end, who you know in that biz is just as important as what you know.

[Mister]

And truly, if you intend to transition at some point, will that affect your potential of being cast?  The number of available roles for a 6' man probably outnumber those for a 5' man.  It's an unfortunate way to have to think about things, but better to visit them now than when you're 80k in the hole.

[Jaimey]

This probably isn't the most responsible advice I've ever given, but I say if you want to be an actor, go for it.  If it's something you love, you'll find a way to make a living at it.  Besides, going to a general college and getting a degree doesn't mean you'll get a job either.  You should do what you want!  It's better to take a risk than to regret not doing it.  The homesickness will go away too, so don't let that stop you either.

[Mister]

This probably isn't the most responsible advice I've ever given, but I say if you want to be an actor, go for it.  If it's something you love, you'll find a way to make a living at it.  Besides, going to a general college and getting a degree doesn't mean you'll get a job either.  You should do what you want!

Find someone with an art degree who is now working at starbucks and ask them if they'd still choose that major.

[tekla]

I went to a school with a big time theater arts program.  It won all sort of awards and all that.  Highly rated.  Of all the tech people I worked with, ALL of them went out in the world and got jobs doing something vaguely techie and sort of involving theater in some way.  One even ended up being the sound producer for NPR.  A few went to movies and TV, me, I went into rock shows. Most of us went into the union at some point, as that was stressed and our tech teacher made sure we got jobs in college doing union work to get us on our way.  BUT, of all the people who studied acting, not a one of them made a living at it.

Think of a major series like Law and Order or Sex in the City. There are (were) like maybe 7 people on that show who make a living, albeit a good one, doing that show as actors.  There are probably 40-50 who have steady work on the tech/set/production crews.  Figure the odds for yourself.

[Jaimey]

Find someone with an art degree who is now working at starbucks and ask them if they'd still choose that major.

I majored in a science and ended up at a bookstore.  Same difference.  Do what makes you happy, Brady.

[tekla]

Most real science tends to require advanced degrees to do anything real.  A BA in physics is not worth much, a PhD only worth a bit more.  Acting is not like that.  But its something where you have to crave rejection, have very good interpersonal skills, and some talent.

[Mister]

I majored in a science and ended up at a bookstore.  Same difference.  Do what makes you happy, Brady.

You could go to Brady's potential alma mater and become the next Bill Nye.

[Michelle.]

Most real science tends to require advanced degrees to do anything real.  A BA in physics is not worth much, a PhD only worth a bit more.  Acting is not like that.  But its something where you have to crave rejection, have very good interpersonal skills, and some talent.

and a good deal of luck thrown in as well.

[tekla]

And three more things, Connections, connections, and connections.  Not what you know, but who you know - and who knows you.

[Jaimey]

You could go to Brady's potential alma mater and become the next Bill Nye.

What a reference...I'd totally forgotten about him...

[tekla]

Brady's potential alma mater

Cornell?  Hardly incredible acting conservatory in New York City.  For one thing, its in Ithaca.

[Mister]

Brady's potential alma mater

Cornell?  Hardly incredible acting conservatory in New York City.  For one thing, its in Ithaca.

OK.. bird eating spider and bill nye's educational background....  you're quick with teh google.

[tekla]

Spiders yes, Bill Nye, no, I wrote about him once upon a time.  Went to Sidwell Friends School in DC, where the Obama girls go to school and where Al Gore, and lots of others went also.  So he comes from MAJOR money.  Then he went to Cornell, and then to work for Boeing as an ME.  He holds a couple of patents too.  Very smart guy.  I think he might be in Cornell now teaching, or he was back when I booked him to lecture at the uni were I was.

[Mister]

Spiders yes, Bill Nye, no, I wrote about him once upon a time.  Went to Sidwell Friends School in DC, where the Obama girls go to school and where Al Gore, and lots of others went also.  So he comes from MAJOR money.  Then he went to Cornell, and then to work for Boeing as an ME.  He holds a couple of patents too.  Very smart guy.  I think he might be in Cornell now teaching, or he was back when I booked him to lecture at the uni were I was.

But who reigns supreme as science tv host- Bill Nye or Mr. Wizard?

[tekla]

I work on TV shows from time to time when I have to.  But other than movies on HBO/AMC and some sports I never watch it.  My mind is not dirty so I don't let no one wash my brain.

Like Nichole says "I have a sewer line to take crap out of my house, why have some other device to feed it back in."

[Mister]

I don't own one anymore.  I used to watch it back in the 80's.  Come to think of it, I remember making a very big mess creating a vinegar/baking soda volcano after seeing it on that show...   whoops.

[tekla]

Its great for some people, bread and circuses and all.