Is there any way I could become a television actress through college classes?

Maybe it's a silly thought, but ever since I was first asked what I want to do when I grow up, I've always told them I wanted to be an actress. Of the television sort, that is. And I was highly considering taking drama classes in college, so at least I might have some sort of career someday. (I'm going to be 18 in less than a year and throughout the years never really thought about life after high school, so my future is a huge mess at the moment) So - would a degree in performing arts through college be of any help to act in movies and on TV?

The education you receive will definitely be a benefit, but in the end it takes drive and your career is up to you. Agents will like to see that you took your education seriously but you need to do things outside of the school curriculum even now. The college you attend (or some nearby) will hopefully have a film program and you can get into some student and grad films. Make sure you get copies! You should also get into theatre productions.

Taking classes does not guarantee you a career in acting if that's what you're asking. Many students who graduate with a degree in theatre go on to teach even if their original dream was to have a career on tv or in the movies. It's very competetive out there and not only do you have to be talented, you have to be lucky, you have to be exactly what someone needs at the right moment, you have the ability to take rejection for long periods of time and not take it personally, it's a lot to handle... Of course if it's the only thing you can see yourself doing then go for it, but try to keep another option open when you're getting your degree.

good luck

I agree with antc. You can take a lot of theater classes as electives. You should take classes outside of school too. You will have a better shot at a good survival job (which you will most likely need your entire life) and you will bring a whole different set of experiences into your acting. And I'm glad to see someone ask a question about properly training.

Right there you have a better chance than most. Good luck to you kid, you have made your first fan!

Sure, many of use were theater majors.

I don't know if it will help, but it certainly can't hurt. If you want to be an actress, then why not better your craft in any way you can? It's just like going to school for anything else--you do it so you can get better..and the better you are..the better luck you may have finding work.

I would suggest you earn your degree in something other than Theater Arts. It is not very useful outside of show business. Business or Communications would be a much better bet. You should however take Theater Arts classes, maybe as part of your minor. That way you gain experience on set and on stage through student films and plays, but you also earn a degree that you can actually use in the real world.

Generally it has to do with being at the right place at the right time, not so much the education. Good luck though! It's good to pursue your dreams!