SHE LOVES ACTING

Dear Jellybean,

I was wondering if you could give me some advice. Ever since I was a lead role in a play I did in 2nd grade I have absolutely LOVED acting. So, I have found what I like to do, but I was wondering if you could give me advice on where to go from here? I have two questions:

What should I do from here? I am 12 years old and my school doesn't have a drama class, so, what should I do?

Do you have any tips on building confidence? When I get on stage sometimes for like, auditions or something, I get SO nervous and think I will make a fool of myself. Thanks so much!

Dear Writer,

Your school doesn't have a drama class? That doesn't mean it can't have a drama club! Talk to your English teacher (they're usually play-friendly) or to the school office staff. Ask if it would be possible to start up a drama club. You could get a petition together and get other kids to sign it, to show the school administration that lots of kids think having a drama club is a good idea. This may or may not work, but it's worth a try.

You can also look into private acting lessons. Lots of professional actors and actresses teach acting classes in their spare time, often through community centers. Ask your folks to contact your local community center and find out if anyone is teaching an acting class that you can take part in.

If not, the next step would be to contact local theater companies in your town. You can probably find a list of them in your local Yellow Pages under "Theaters". Tell them about your wish to do more acting, and ask them if they do any workshops for teens, or if they have any suggestions for you in terms of getting more acting practice.

As for the confidence thing, it just takes practice. The more experience you get standing up in front of people and saying things, the easier it will get. Since you don't have lots of opportunities to do that yet, try practicing in front of a mirror in your room. Once you're feeling good about the way you present yourself, ask a friend or two, or even your folks, to be your "audience" and "audition" in front of them. You'll get better and better the more you do this, and I'm sure your friends and family will be glad to help you out.