Here is a quote from Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting: “Talent is an amalgam of high sensitivity; easy vulnerability; high sensory equipment (seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting–intensely); a vivid imagination as well as a grip on reality; the desire to communicate one’s own experience and sensations, to make one’s self heard and seen.”
She goes on to talk about all the other characteristics and learned skills actors must possess. We have been studying Hagen technique in my acting studio! Reading books on acting can help you determine whether it’s something you want to devote your life to, especially books where you learn along with the characters (like Boleslavsky’s Acting: The First Six Lessons or Stanislavsky’s An Actor Prepares).
I’m not a huge fan of the word talent, because I highly disagree with the notion that you’ve either got it or you ain’t. I really believe talent, as Uta Hagen defines it, can be learned. Singing and dancing (technical musical theatre skills) can certainly be learned. I think that instead of asking yourself “am I talented enough to make it in this business?” you should ask yourself “am I willing to devote my life to the pursuit of talent?” No one is ever good enough. You’re always learning. And at the end of the day, success or “making it” is not Broadway, or money or fame. Success is whatever you personally define it as. I like to define it as happiness.
I’m not sure this is at all what you were asking, but in regards to your practical problems, the two year training would be a great option. Since you don’t have any experience, though, I’d recommend trying out a summer intensive first, to make sure you want to do this. I did the Circle in the Square summer program, and it cleared a lot up for me. It’s relatively inexpensive if you can find free housing. You could also move home, save up for a year or two, and get involved in community theatre there. Then if you decide to audition for 2 year programs, hire a coach or find a mentor. Don’t do this without a support system. It’s really hard, but I truly believe that if you commit yourself 100% you will be able to stick with it. Sticking with it is kind of all we can ask for 