Acting is a dream for many people, whether they’re five years old or 65 years old. But what is the best age to start an acting career? Many of us may worry we’re too young to be taken seriously. Or, we might think we’re too old to compete with actors who have been doing this all their lives. Let’s dispel some myths and figure out how to follow our dreams at any age.
What is the best age to become an actor?
There simply isn’t a best age to become an actor. Whether you start your acting career at a young age or an older age, there is no reason you shouldn’t pursue your dream of acting.
The good news is that actors are always needed for many different roles in the performance world. So, no matter what age you start acting, there will always be work out there for you.
Should my child become an actor?
If your child shows confidence, a big imagination, patience, and willingness to learn, then you could have a potential actor on your hands!
How you decide you would like your child to engage with the acting world is your choice. Some parents like to begin finding their children acting work while they’re still young. Certainly, it can be easier to book roles with less experience when still a child.
Some parents enroll their children in acting classes and local theatre productions. This way, when they are older, they have the experience they need to pursue a professional acting career.
How to enter the industry as a child actor
Whether you begin to seek work for your child early on or not, putting your child in acting classes can be one of the best moves you can make to support their potential future acting career. Acting skills will allow your child to ‘wow’ casting directors and give them a solid foundation throughout their work.
Many acting classes are offered at stage schools, and these can help your child get seen by those who work in the industry. Check out the best stage schools in your area and the acting career opportunities they offer your child.
Make sure to assemble a portfolio for your child, including headshots, a showreel, and a list of their skills and experience.
You could also try getting in touch with a child agent. They will be able to advise you on how to grow your child’s acting career and may decide to represent them and help find them work.
How to become an actor as a teenager
Firstly, and most importantly, taking acting classes can teach you acting skills and book more roles. See if you can find any youth drama groups in your area. Groups connected to a local theatre or stage school are a great option. You may also think about whether you want to attend drama school in the future.
Something else to think about is developing skills and picking up hobbies. Your special skills can be the thing that gives you the edge over another actor when getting cast. So, think about what interests you and what might help you get roles. Try horse riding, dancing, or learning another language. Now is a great time to start working on those skills.
There are also often open casting calls on social media for teenage roles. Follow some casting directors on social media, and keep your eyes peeled for casting calls for teens.
Am I too old to become an actor?
No! The great news is, you are never too old to become an actor.
While more roles may be available for younger actors, there is far less competition for older actors. You benefit from not being up for roles against the thousands of drama school graduates entering the industry yearly.
As time passes, more actors leave the profession, leaving you to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. Did you know many actors play their biggest roles in their 30s and 40s? And there’s plenty of opportunity for actors older than this, too. Top Hollywood acting manager Wendy Alane Wright knows this all too well and has graced us with some great advice in her video; How To Start Your Acting Career At 60+
Many actors have found success later in life. John Mahoney won an award for Best Newcomer at age 37. Samuel L Jackson got his breakthrough at age 42. Betty White started growing her acting career in her 30s but didn’t hit her big roles until she was 51.
Tips for becoming an older actor
Firstly, learning the acting craft is an important part of becoming an actor. You can hire a private coach or commit to a long-term training course and attend drama school.
Don’t worry; drama school isn’t just for school leavers. During my actor training, there were students of all ages, all the way up to an actor in their 70s.
It is also important to get some experience, for instance, in student films. This way, you can build up some footage to create a showreel. Your showreel and headshots will become your most important tools when marketing yourself – especially to agents who, luckily, often have space on their books for older actors.
Another advantage you have when becoming an actor at an older age is that you have more life experience. You know yourself and the world around you more deeply and have formed your opinions. This is so valuable in acting and will greatly improve your work.
Not only that, but you will also have a skill set that you can market as an actor. Acting experience isn’t the only important thing on your CV. Think about any other skills you might have. For example, do you know any other language? Do you play any sports? Perhaps you can ride a bike, or swim, or knit? Any skills or hobbies you’ve practiced immediately give you an edge and an identity as an actor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is too late to start acting?
It is never too late to start acting. There are plenty of actors that get big roles later in life. There are people attending drama school into their 70s. You can pursue an acting career at absolutely any age.
Is 12 years old a good age to start acting?
12 is a great age to start acting, and it’s an especially good age to start going to acting classes. Learning to act at this age gives you plenty of time to build up your confidence, figure out what you enjoy, and consider whether you might like to work as an actor, too.
Is 23 too late to start acting?
23 is not too late to start acting – nor is any age. At this age, you will have more life experience, which is a great asset for an actor.
Is it difficult to become an actor?
Being an actor can be tough. There is a lot of competition, it requires flexibility and can be emotionally demanding. I’ve even listed these difficulties in my post on 10 Bad Things About Being An Actor. However, acting can also be fulfilling, so much so that I’ve also written a post on The Truth About The Benefits Of Being An Actor that includes 20 good things about being an actor. That’s twice as many as the bad ones!
Do actors go to acting school?
Many actors go to acting school to learn how to act. However, acting school isn’t the only option. You can attend short courses or start applying to roles and learn on the job. There are also lots of online resources like Blooper that make it easier for you to learn about acting from the comfort of your own home.
Your age is the perfect age to start acting
There is no perfect age to start acting – except the one you are now.
I imagine if you’ve found your way to this article, then acting is something you’re interested in. So, why not give it a go?
That’s not to say you need to quit your job, move to Hollywood, and get an agent within the next week. But why not try out some acting classes? Apply to some local student films? Join a local theatre group? There are tons of ways to find out if an acting career is the path for you, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start now.
Whatever your age, you have something to offer as an actor. So, have faith in yourself and give it a go. It’s never too late to pursue your passions and build a more joyful life.