I do not live in the United States, but would like to come to the States to become an actor.

There are literally thousands of well-trained, experienced and well connected American-born actors in LA, NY and elsewhere in the US. They understand the system. They live in it day after day. They are knowledgeable about the industry and, believe me, they have spent many years studying, struggling and "paying their dues". They do not have any visa problems or restrictions and they have great personalities and talent - innate and practiced.

These people are your competition. What are your chances? Very slim. I suggest you spend a few years where you live; auditioning, taking classes, building a solid body of good acting work and developing knowledge of the industry and some industry connections before you make the leap across the pond.

To find out the visas you need to study acting or to work as a paid actor in the States, contact the 

US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services 

re: student visa and visas for working as a performer in the U.S.

My parents won't support my decision to become an actor. What can I do?



Here are a few negotiating strategies that can help:

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS remain calm, respectful and rational. You cannot expect your parents to change their attitudes overnight. Angry outbursts as a reaction to your disappointment will only set them more firmly against the whole idea. Building support from reluctant parents is complex and must be approached objectively and calmly.

Tantrums, shouting matches, defiance, anger and whining are not acceptable behaviors for a professional actor. Show your parents you are mature, responsible, trustworthy, and can handle disappointment gracefully, like a pro. These are important traits for an actor to possess.

Negotiations frequently involve setbacks. How you handle those setbacks is an important part of continued success. Keep in mind that your ultimate goal, your long-term goal, is to help your parents feel comfortable, be accepting and be supportive of your desire and efforts to study and do acting.

You need your parents on your side. This is new for them. Work on the idea slowly. Don't shove it at them all at once. It could take months or a year or more to make headway. Success take its own time. Those who are prepared and ready recognize it when it arrives. Don't rush blindly toward some imagined wisp of stardom. Prepare yourself for success.

In the mean time, demonstrate your interest in acting by:

  • Attending local plays - not just movies.
  • Find out about your local community theatres and subscribe to their newsletters.
  • Read lots and lots of books about acting so you can learn something about acting and the business of acting, even if you cannot attend classes. You can find acting books in the library or you can purchase some through AWOL's Book Search.
  • Take any performance skill classes you can in and outside of school. This includes acting, dance, singing, voice, music, even such things as forensics, juggling, martial arts...These are very valuable skills for an actor to have. You never know what you will called upon to do for a role. The more skills you are competent in, the more employable you are - and better able to pay the monthly bills when you are on your own as a struggling actor in NY or LA.

They will still be making movies when you are prepared and ready - and when you have your parents on your side.