<p>Payingthreetuitions said – “There might be gender differences with this advice. My S tells me that for men, most stage parts are for ages 25-35, while for women it’s a bit younger, ages 18-25. So I am more relaxed that a male has the time to develop after he graduates as a 21-year-old and grow into these parts. Might be more pressure on females.”</p>
<p>I think that the mid-20s on up interms of stage work in plays is pretty accurate for women as well. There are not many plays written about people in their late teens or early 20s. Many of the actors and actresses who play the teens/ 20s roles are actors in their mid to late-twenties or actual teens who have been working in the business since they were much younger. So, while there is more pressure on women to stay young looking (although I have heard that it is getting equally challenging for men too), I think that young actors and actresses in their early 20s are on similar footing regardless of gender. Of course, there are alot more women competing for jobs then men, but it is tough (yet possible :)!) for all. </p>
<p>As far as not having a chance at the business if you don’t get into a “top” BFA school – I would not take that as an indication that your child should pursue another path. There are many paths to get to the “same” place. There are also many successful actors who did not graduate from top BFA programs. </p>
<p>Good Luck!!</p>