ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXThirty, too late to start an acting career?
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
Hi All,
I've recently turned 29 and after the mundane drudgery of working a 9-5 soul destroying job to pay the bills, whilst building work as a musician and actress. I decided it was time to quit my job! As I just couldn't take anymore. My creativity and urge to be part of exciting projects was bursting at the seems!
I used to act in commercials (lead, speaking) and background parts in films when I was younger. The agent I had at the time went under and I couldn't seem to get another (other than extra work :/). I didn't train at a drama school but I did undertake classes from a young age at the likes of; Italia Conti, I attended the BRIT school and then took drama A-levels and studied Film at uni. Although, I almost feel I was far too young to appreciate anything and didn't truly have much life experience to draw from when auditioning or acting. I've taken further adult classes at Anna Scher and RADA on evenings and weekends.
I'm now back and ready for action, life experience in tow, but am in the same situation without an agent looking for work on shorts to build more credits and my profile to get an agent to find me opportunities! Quite scary! Will be taking a low paid job to live day to day but am hoping something worth while may arise..
Any advice for starting again at my age? I can't afford to pay for training but also can never escape this part of me who wants to tell stories as other people and immerse myself in characters.
Advice and suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Charlotte.
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9 years, 3 months ago - Paulina Brahm
Dear Charlotte,
Congrats on your birthday!
In answer to your question -- I don't think so.
We are definitely on the same wavelength.
I often get cast because my life experience adds to the depth of what I can bring to a character. And weirdly, I'm often cast as younger than my age range (my voice type and appearance is younger than my age range.)
I got my first big break, a lead role with an established New York City theater company, at a later age. I spent my early twenties singing opera as a company member and just learning the ropes and training hard.
I also am without an agent but do not see it as a detriment. I see it as freedom. I can choose which roles I want and don't have to please anyone.
Advice:
- I see you are Equity, great! Get involved with your branch. There are loads of experienced actors who can trade decades of wisdom with you, as I have found.
- Join Spotlight. I didn't see it on your profile? It's a must.
- Join and participate with the Actors Centre London. Membership is not so expensive and the training and connections are invaluable.
- Write me! I've been where you are are.
Kindest regards,
Paulina
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
Thanks so much for your valuable feedback Paulina. I guess part of my fear was being able to make a living from acting... I need to build up my experience, get an agent etc., Thanks again for your words!!
9 years, 3 months ago - Stefania Montesolaro
Hi Charlotte, it's never too late to do something you are passionate about. Your enthusiasm and drive will take you where others will not dare going. It is precisely because you feel you are 'late' that you will go the extra mile. I am in my 50ies and started acting only 4 years ago. It's the best decision I ever took. I agree with Paolina, the Actors Centre is an invaluable place to start with. They want you to have some experience but just go and have a chat with Debbie, or Freddie. See what you can do.
Good luck. Just do it.
Stefania
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
Thank you so much Stefania!! Great to hear you took the plunge and it's the best decision you made.. Just out of interest, what was it that made you get into acting? A life long dream? Thanks again for the great advice! I'll definitely take a trip to the Actors Centre and see what I can get started with.. :)
9 years, 3 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy
I cannot imagine any 55-year-old retrospectively thinking they were too old for a change in direction or too old for taking the plunge when they were 30. No, they look back to those days as being their youthful days. ps I'm 55. pps Get yourself some showreel material to back up any castings you might apply for. It would be a big help. It says on your profile that you did a film degree, so you'll probably know people who could shoot something for you.
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
Thank you Alwyne! Much appreciated :)
9 years, 3 months ago - Xenia Glen
Hey Charlotte,
You should join us at our next filmmakers meet-up, we always get a mixture of filmmakers and actors coming along.
We're teaming up with The UK Actors TweetUp and Casting Networks to host the event, it's free to attend and we’ll be meeting at the Hackney Attic from 6.30pm on the 14th June. You can find out more details and RSVP on: http://bit.ly/FNN06
See you there,
Xenia
SP
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
I've signed up! Looking forward to it! :)
9 years, 3 months ago - Melanie Radloff
Hey Charlotte,
Imo it's never too late to do anything ;) Whatever it is you're into, just do it and have fun. If something comes off it even better.
The event Xenia mentioned is a great starting point. It'll be great to meet you there ;)
Xxx
Mel
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
Thanks Mel! Looking forward to the event! x
9 years, 3 months ago - Cyd Casados
Hey Charlotte, it's absolutely not too late! I came back to acting after a long break at the age of 39. The roles have been much more interesting and varied than when I was in my 20s. There is also a lot of commercial work for actors 30+.
That said, I've found it difficult to make a steady income from acting only so have a part-time job which keeps the wolves from the door, but still gives me time to do voice work and occasional acting roles.
Good advice from Paulina (who is lovely by the way - we did a fun project together a while back). I personally have found some good projects on Casting Call Pro (although it can be a mixed bag) to get more current footage for my reel, which was helpful in finding an agent.
Good luck!
All the best,
Cyd
9 years, 3 months ago - Charlotte Jones-Petlenko
Thank you Cyd for your awesome and realistic advice! x
9 years, 2 months ago - Lance Patrick
Hi Charlotte,
The thing about acting is there are no age limits. You could still be acting when you're 75 if your heart desires it, good luck Lance ;-)
9 years, 2 months ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc
Cyd is right. I've been using Casting Call Pro for casting my www.MargeryBooth.com and found some good ones.