<p>By the way, you don’t have to train only in LA and NYC. There are many other programs that offer excellent training in cities that are far more affordable. You can also do summer programs after your senior year if you know you’re not going to college. For instance, NJ Shakespeare has a great 11 week program for $3300 or so including room and board. I several other Shakespeare theatres that offer similar training. Stratford in Canada has a three week one for around the same price. We’ve discussed options in other threads. My son, who will be taking a gap year, is going to Royal Conservatory of Scotland this summer for four weeks of training there. (That is more expensive but he’s paying for most of it from his own earned income.) </p>
<p>As far as Hollywood actors, I sort of personally tire of hearing of drop dead gorgeous actors and/or hugely connected actors ‘miraculously’ making it. I do not find that inspiring at all. Yes, if you’re model-gorgeous like Anne Hathaway (who was cast in Disney’s Princess Diaries at 18, well before her training at NYU), and/or wealthy and connected (child of producers or famous actors) – well, sure, your chances are much higher. </p>
<p>But that’s sort of like getting inspiration about becoming a billionaire without going to college because Bill Gates did (he was born into a very wealthy family too). </p>
<p>My own kids are not model-gorgeous and we sure as heck have no connections or money. So they have to forge their connections and their training and figure out a way to eventually support themselves. BFA/BA theatre programs and conservatory programs and professional theatres and some private lessons offer both the best opportunity for training as well as the best opportunity for forging connections–critical in this business. It is not necessary to go to college but if you are not very wealthy then you really cannot afford to both pay for conservatory training/very expensive programs for your kid AND eventually send them to college. And for the vast majority of students, college is necessary on multiple levels. </p>
<p>FBF (I like this abbreviation!)–thanks for the link to LAMDA. I thought that was very cool.</p>