GAINING ACTING CONFIDENCE

Dear Jellybean,

It's always been my dream to be an actress! I've always been able to picture myself in front of the camera. But I don't think I'm good enough! I mean I'm not the most confident of people! My best friend is into acting too, and last year she was the lead in the school play. When I look at her, I think I wouldn't have a hope in hell of living my dream. Any ideas on how to boost my confidence?
-Zoe

Dear Zoe,

The great philosopher Aristotle said, "We are what we do repeatedly." Meaning, if you act all the time, you will become an actress. Confidence comes with practice and experience, so you need to start getting some practice at acting!

Your best friend is obviously a good actress, if she scored the lead in the play, so she could be a great practice partner for you. Visit the library or a bookshop, and get a book of scenes for actors. Tell your friend that you think she's a really awesome actress, and that you want to learn acting, and ask her to practice some scenes with you. She'll be flattered by the compliment, and I'm sure you'll both have fun working through the scenes. In the process, your friend can give you tips on how you read the parts, you'll get practice acting in front of someone, and hopefully gain confidence in your ability to deliver lines and interpret characters.

Since you want to act in front of the camera someday, get a third friend (or a sibling) with a digital camera to take movies of your acting, or simply record yourself doing solo scenes in the privacy of your room. You'll find tons of acting monologues (scenes for one person) at the Monologue Archive website.

You should also take every opportunity to get involved in theater opportunities and training, whether that's taking Drama class at school, a class at a community center, trying out for the school play, and so on. Act as often as you can, keep listening to people's tips and critiques (as long as they're well-meant, and given by people you respect) and developing your talent. The more you act, the better you'll be, and the more your confidence will grow. Hope that helps!