Realizing your ambitions are all pipe dreams

[keithy_19]

Let me preface this by saying that just because they aren't practical doesn't mean I'm not going for them. And also, I udnerstand the forum this is in, but I don't mind comments and really wasn't sure what forum this should go in.

I was in New York City today at Pace University to see a taping of 'Inside The Actors Studio' with James Lipton. Halle Berry was the guest today and I was able to attend because my friend goes there and she chose me as her guest.

While I was listening to Halle Berry and James Lipton talk about all the thing acting did for them and it all clicked for me. The enviorment made sense. More sense than my other schooling ever did. More sense than anything I've wanted to dow ith my life did.

There's so many area's of acting tog et involved with. Writing, directing, acting. I woul d love to do all of them. I realize how these ambitions are very unrealistic, but fuck. Why not go for it? I'm just going to go with it all. Follow my heart so to speak. It's just taking a real big leap of faith to do it.

Just kinda wanted to hear peoples opinions on that. Trying to do something that isn't practical, but what you really want to do.

[Fezticle98]

Go for it. If you go all out, you can be successful.

Jimmy Norton had some advice for one of the car crash comedians and said, in effect, if it's something you do part time or you have a fall back plan, you won't be successful.

Break a leg.

[MadMatt]

Follow your dream because there is nothing to loose. Even if you don't "succeed" and become the great American Actor/writer/director, you will learn more along the way than you would have standing still just thinking about it. What you perceive now to be your goal will likely change as you learn and grow, so take the journey for what it is worth and learn everything you can.

My course has shifted radically over the years, but the lessons I have learned build upon one another. It is amazing how seemingly unrelated abilities, talents, or interests can gel into a miraculous new whole you never could have expected.

[Do I sound like a fortune cookie?]

[ChrisTheCop]

lemme know when you do your topless rape scene.

seriously, supporting yourself while perfecting your craft seems to be the hardest part in being an actor. Ive had my own thoughts about starting up after I retire in 3 years.
If you have a creative mind, you really shouldnt fight it; true greats are very rare, if you think you can be one of them, go for it!

good luck budday!

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Give it a shot. It's a fantastic thing to act. I'm the shittiest actor of them all but I still have fond memories of doing plays and whatnaught for college. The community, the camaraderie amongst cast mates, it's a fun time.

Anyway, you should give it a shot. If you don't make it on the first try, don't get frustrated and give up. Just keep at it. Practice lines in front of a mirror or pace around outside repeating lines and thinking about the character. The first thing you gotta do is forget yourself, because that's what acting's all about: being something that you are not. Paul Newman is a very shy person; you wouldn't think this watching the way he plays all his roles.

I'm rooting for ya. And so you know: everyone sucks on their first try. Just keep at it. Do some writing in between auditions.

[keithy_19]

I'm working on a screen play right now. I'm hoping through time it will manifest into more than just this idea I have for it. It's promising though. A lot of creativity going through my head and I'm trying my best to focus on it while it's fresh.

[Jujubees2]

Go for it Keith, but (as mentioned before) don't do it half-assed. If you're going to do it be prepared to devote yourself to it and good thing will come.

I was talking to someone the other day about my background and I mentioned how I worked one year for $25/week and a meal card but the experience and contacts I amde at that job helped me get where I am today. So don't be afraid to scrap by for a while as it may all work out in the end.

[keithy_19]

I've already come to terms with the aspect of not having much money at all while I pursue it. It'll suck and be difficult but fuck it. I can't elt that stop me from giving it my all.

[JPMNICK]

2 days ago what were you pursuing? what were you going to be doing as a career before this?

[Death Metal Moe]

You're probably gonna have a few things you think are "Your Dream" when you're young. But if you have seriously latched onto one thing, you HAVE to do it.

You can either live the rest of your life knowing you tried and didn't make it or sit there and wonder what could have been.

I don't know how you are, but the thought of never knowing would eat me alive inside. Just don't be stupid. If it's not going anywhere and it's completely consuming your life, you need to be honest enough with yourself to scale it back.

[MobCounty]

/agree

I know a lot of dreams that myself and my friends have. Some have been reached, some have not. The ones who take action are the ones with no regret. Even if they never reach their goal it's better to live without the regret of never trying. The reality is, that even by trying, you put yourself into a path that will drop you at a point that will result in more happiness than a life of conservative duldrums.

The only person who has a real interest in your future is you. If you don't invest in yourself, who will?..

[keithy_19]

2 days ago what were you pursuing? what were you going to be doing as a career before this?

Pussy. I was pursuing pussy.

I don't know to be honest. I had been bouncing around ideas in my head, and always kept on going back to wanting to write. Acting has always been a love of mine. Since I was 6 I loved it. I could combine both of these loves into one thing. I have to do it.

[drjoek]

Go for it kid

Im sure we'll be kept informed on your progress:happy:
Break a leg

[JPMNICK]

Pussy. I was pursuing pussy.

I don't know to be honest. I had been bouncing around ideas in my head, and always kept on going back to wanting to write. Acting has always been a love of mine. Since I was 6 I loved it. I could combine both of these loves into one thing. I have to do it.

i say go for it, might as well do it now you are young and living for free

[sailor]

go for it. you're young enough that any ambition shouldn't just be a "pipe dream." as for supporting yourself, a lot of actors and other performers (dancers, singers, comedians, etc.) i know work at hotels (either front desk agents or door/bell men). the hours are flexible and these jobs tend to be understanding if you want to take two-three weeks off to take a gig somewhere.

[keithy_19]

Yeah. I could do jobs like that. It would be good.

Right now I'm writing a lot of different stuff. I'm working on a screenplay as I mentioned before, short stories, and working on a comedy routine though it's merely just spare time stuff.

I've started to shy away from poetry only because it is really tough to do anything with it.

[JPMNICK]

you should really look into going into NYC for lessons from Pro's and getting an agent.

[keithy_19]

you should really look into going into NYC for lessons from Pro's and getting an agent.

My friend, the one going to the acting school, is getting me information for just that.

As for the agent, when I get more stuff together I'll definately do that.