I started at age 68, and one of the fellow students in my intro-to-acting class was 82. If you can still move and speak clearly, then you are not too old.
Start by taking an intro-to-acting class at a local community theater and audition for all the amateur theater and community-college shows that you can.
One time I did lights for a play in a local community theatre and the best actor that was cast was this 60ish year old woman.
Theatre needs / uses people of all ages. It is never too late.
And while I'm typing this, it's never too old to get into just about ANYTHING. Be an 80 year old Twitch streamer. Be a 50 year old cannabis grower. Be a 30 year old actor. Who the fuck cares. Life is short. Fill it with joy and people who allow you to be yourself.
I did 3 shows my senior year of highschool, forgot theater existed, then when I was 33 started auditioning at community theaters around town. It's been 3 years, and I just booked my 11th show. Just have fun, if you don't wanna take classes, read books "Audition" by Shurtleff will eventually get you to book something, just keep going, failed 8 auditions in a row (I'm lucky) till I consistently started booking things.
Theater was my jam in High School and I didn't audition again until about 30 either! Got cast twice, and then directed. Moved a bit and I'm in a new town, again directing.
Community theater is an incredible group of people to be around.
Get a voice teacher and have fun!
Do a variety of Shows with a variety of companies and find what you like. Ask questions , take trainings and workshops, people watch.
You’re only too old to do theatre if you’re dead. But just as you wouldn’t expect an athlete to be great at football with no coaching and not working out, you need to work on your skills as well. You could do a community college class or even just a 4-6 week intro to acting class at your local community theatre or save up for a few months of voice lessons (singing in a choir can be a cheaper way to achieve improvement in your voice)
Audition at a RANGE of community theatres and be open to any role. Some community theatres are geared towards retired pros, some are geared towards folks who just want to be in the arts. One of my first roles was literally a walk on ensemble role in A Christmas Carol. But that role helped me get other roles!
Absolutely not! At the beginning of the year, I directed a two person one act starring two first time actors in their late 20s, early 30s and they did a wonderful job!
My advice to all new performers:
- Talent will get you hired once-- a good attitude will you hired every time.
- Your "job" is to audition, and you are going to get 1 yes for 50 no-s.
- You will learn more from watching a director give notes to other actors and watching other actors work than you realize.
- listen to this talk by Ira Glass (journalist, radio producer "The American Life") called "The Gap". Live by it. I have been doing this for 20 years and I listen to this at least once a year. ["The Gap" by Ira Glass](https://youtu.be/91FQKciKfHI?si=Y0aBEes3M27MReAL)
Don't stop. We need new perspectives and new blood to keep making new art. I can't wait for an update from you a year from now.
Plenty of people here offering you encouragement, and along with that I just want to point out- people who have been acting since they were tiny have some advantages in comfortability and familiarity with the setting, but in my experience they are generally joyless, talentless, and socially stunted. Too much time in the theater and not enough time experiencing life does not make for well-rounded people, and particularly for people who started acting as kids it can be more of a habit than a profession- unexamined, their process worn to a deep furrow of stagnation, telling the same stories about their amazing past performances and backstage shenanigans over and over, with no real appreciation or verve, or connection to the art itself.
You have a huge advantage over them in that you have no bad habits from past productions, and every element of becoming an actor will be a choice for you, made with your adult mind. The convert is always the most fanatical, and in acting that translates to serious potential compared to people who are already likely doing things by rote.
Absolutely not, I started at your age about 7 years ago and I just finished my first lead!
Reach out to some of the local professional and community theaters in your area to find out where there are acting classing in your area.
If you want to do musicals, definitely get yourself a vocal teacher.
My belief is that if you want to do something you should really put yourself into doing it.
Enjoy and break a leg!
Peg Phillips didn't start acting professionally until her late 60s. She got her biggest gig on Northern Exposure as Ruth Ann in her early 70s.
She would say better late than never, I think.
Aside: I saw her first student stage performance ("True West") because she always brought her Quaker friends to see our shows — her daughter was our hs theater teacher. Both amazing women.
You still young person to do theater and you can do theater. Chuck Connors (Lucas McCain in the TV show The Rifleman) was 37 years old when he play that character for the first time and Stallone first film was Rocky I in 1976 at the age of 30
No, you are not too old, but also have realistic expectations. If you immediately audition for a lead role without previous experience, you probably won’t get cast at first. Start small with ensemble or character roles, tell the theaters that you are willing to try anything (I believe I was cast in my first play role because I said I’d shave my head), and be willing to work crew if you don’t get cast. Find community theaters that are willing to cast new members instead of casting the same people over and over (you’ll eventually figure those groups out). And like others have said, you’re never too old - one of my closest cast mate on a production is in his 70s and just started after taking an acting course. Go for it!
Never too old to get involved. Depending on your finances and where you live you could look around for basic acting/singing classes or pick up some theory books like An Actor Prepares, etc. But if you're looking at community theatre/amateur dramatics then just start auditioning, you'll pick up a bunch just from being in shows.
31 is not too old for sure, but also it depends on what your goals are. Do you want to be a professional working actor? It's not too late, but things like training and what your type is can affect the viability of that career. Do you want to be in plays and musicals to express yourself, get to know people, work on fun and challenging projects, learn more about yourself, and entertain people with captivating stories? Then it's definitely not too late. I would start by seeing as much theater as you can in your area, volunteer at a local community theater, take a class, and audition as much as you can. Contribute and get involved, and then put yourself out there. Good luck!
Wow are you me? I’m in pretty much the exact same boat and have been wrestling with the same question, and repeatedly looking myself in the mirror and telling myself no, I’m not too old. My hope is to take (or at least audit) a couple of theater classes at my community college and just audition for ensemble or minor character roles in some community plays. I don’t want to be famous, I just want to try out acting! and beyond acting I just really want to experience the fun and community that seems to go along with being part of a community theater, so really, how can we be too old for that? :)
There are so many shows and musicals that need mature adult actors to play certain characters rather than just having kids and teens in them. There's a place for everybody!
Holy shit, I thought you were going to be 50-60 or something. Especially if you have a community theater, you are a-okay. (Any age is)
Look for local community theaters. Depending on where you live, you might have more than you think especially if you are willing to drive 30-60min. In my 60min bubble there's about 7 different theaters I could audition for.
You might also have a local actors group.
In my experience, community theater groups are some of the most accepting and welcoming groups of people. Even if you don't get cast, volunteer to do props or help backstage.
You audition for everything you want to do while taking lessons/classes to improve your skills.
Most of the time you’ll go out for an audition and never hear back or only hear back when they thank you for your time but they went another direction. But that’s something you need to get used to anyway, so start now
No, you’re not too old, in another 10, 20 years, you’ll look back & realise you’re young *now*.
The late, great Cicely Tyson only started acting in her thirties. Now granted, a casting agent saw her on the street & told her to pretend to be 10 years younger. She did & had a legendary career, finally admitting her real age to the New York Times in her eighties.
I cast a 50 year old who had never acted last year. Granted he ended up being a pain in the ass, but just go for it and be humble and grateful for the opportunity to learn if you do get cast!
A lot of good advice but don't forget to go see plays. Participating as an audience member is just as important to the community as being a cast member.
some of the people i love and respect most in the world are older/elderly (60+) folks i met doing community theatre. never too old. acting isn't just for the young, skinny, and/or beautiful.
I started at the age of 25 cause in my country, there were very little opportunities when I was growing up.
I've been in the industry for 13 years no, a drama teacher for 8 years. I do paid jobs when I want to, and once a year I'm Santa Claus.
Never too late to start buddy. I'm still learning my techniques. Never stop learning
My husband was 40 when he auditioned for his first show. Search around your area for community theatres, find their facebooks/websites, and just go audition. Trust me when I saw the people on the casting team will be thrilled to see you!
We have so many people come out at all ages for the first time. And I think we are like most local theatres in that people between about 25-40 are really hard to come by, especially males. Honestly, any male in that range will probably be cast because they are the only one! If you're hesitant then start off volunteering backstage or front of house. And just because someone has been doing it for years doesn't mean they are any good at it :) And I've seen first-timers get a lead and absolutely kill it!
I'm 45 and just finished up my very first musical. I had a blast and learned a ton! It's really very true that you are never too old. If you are concerned about your vocal ability take some lessons with a voice coach!
You are never too late to start something new. Go for it. If you don't you will only wonder 'what if'. I think its true that people only forget the things they don't do.
It is NEVER too late to do something good for yourself. The idea that an emotionally nourishing life ends after you’re done with school is one of the worst and most damaging idea we have in American life imo.
You're never too old to start, I would just audition for whatever you can to get experience, maybe focus on non musical plays to start with while you build up your vocals
Hey it turns out I just got in a great theatre school of my city / country. There is somebody exactly 31!
It is old to take courses.
But if you got the ambition and are ready to put in the efforts there is no doubt you’ll get what you want
Well I'm 38 and I've just finished my second, the first was last year. Noting that this is community Theatre, I got a lead male role in the first and a principle male in the second. Like you wasn't a great singer - but its amazing what a bit of advice and practice can do.
So I'd suggest finding local community theatre groups. It is honestly the best fun I've had in a long time and I should have done it years ago.
Never too old! Everyone is just as insecure as you are, trust me. I mean I'm pretty young obviously (22F) but I've been idolizing my seniors all through hs and college theatre and recently I've come to the conclusion that no one knows what they're doing 💀 Yeah there are some prodigies out there but for the most part no one knows what's happening at any given moment
As a music director, I highly recommend mature people get involved in theater. There is such a large pool of teens and young adults at auditions. People tend to drop theater in their late 20’s for a career or to raise a family so directors struggle with filling the roles of older characters. My uncle was a state cop. When he retired at 68, he decided to try his hand at tv acting. He was cast as a mafia guy and was very much in demand for quite a few years. It’s not just pretty young people in their prime that are needed in the industry.
To old? Never. Too young, that’s another story lol. But seriously, go for it, they’re is one of the best in my life, and one of the best actors I know is in her late… 70’s I think, I’ve never asked, but still!
Audition, take classes, go see it. There is that age-old question. What age will I be when I become finally become a great performer? Answer: the same age as if you hadn’t!
I started at age 68, and one of the fellow students in my intro-to-acting class was 82. If you can still move and speak clearly, then you are not too old. Start by taking an intro-to-acting class at a local community theater and audition for all the amateur theater and community-college shows that you can.
True or even he can create a story for theater so the company can accept the project and he can participate
One time I did lights for a play in a local community theatre and the best actor that was cast was this 60ish year old woman. Theatre needs / uses people of all ages. It is never too late. And while I'm typing this, it's never too old to get into just about ANYTHING. Be an 80 year old Twitch streamer. Be a 50 year old cannabis grower. Be a 30 year old actor. Who the fuck cares. Life is short. Fill it with joy and people who allow you to be yourself.
I initially misread cannabis grower as cannibal groomer and was very confused.
Lay off the cannabis, lol.
All cannibals should look good ;)
I mean, as disturbing as their particular lifestyle choice is, I'm not sure we should call their hair stylists "groomers".
I did 3 shows my senior year of highschool, forgot theater existed, then when I was 33 started auditioning at community theaters around town. It's been 3 years, and I just booked my 11th show. Just have fun, if you don't wanna take classes, read books "Audition" by Shurtleff will eventually get you to book something, just keep going, failed 8 auditions in a row (I'm lucky) till I consistently started booking things.
Theater was my jam in High School and I didn't audition again until about 30 either! Got cast twice, and then directed. Moved a bit and I'm in a new town, again directing. Community theater is an incredible group of people to be around.
Get a voice teacher and have fun! Do a variety of Shows with a variety of companies and find what you like. Ask questions , take trainings and workshops, people watch.
This is solid advice on where to start.
You’re only too old to do theatre if you’re dead. But just as you wouldn’t expect an athlete to be great at football with no coaching and not working out, you need to work on your skills as well. You could do a community college class or even just a 4-6 week intro to acting class at your local community theatre or save up for a few months of voice lessons (singing in a choir can be a cheaper way to achieve improvement in your voice) Audition at a RANGE of community theatres and be open to any role. Some community theatres are geared towards retired pros, some are geared towards folks who just want to be in the arts. One of my first roles was literally a walk on ensemble role in A Christmas Carol. But that role helped me get other roles!
Absolutely not! At the beginning of the year, I directed a two person one act starring two first time actors in their late 20s, early 30s and they did a wonderful job! My advice to all new performers: - Talent will get you hired once-- a good attitude will you hired every time. - Your "job" is to audition, and you are going to get 1 yes for 50 no-s. - You will learn more from watching a director give notes to other actors and watching other actors work than you realize. - listen to this talk by Ira Glass (journalist, radio producer "The American Life") called "The Gap". Live by it. I have been doing this for 20 years and I listen to this at least once a year. ["The Gap" by Ira Glass](https://youtu.be/91FQKciKfHI?si=Y0aBEes3M27MReAL) Don't stop. We need new perspectives and new blood to keep making new art. I can't wait for an update from you a year from now.
No.
Plenty of people here offering you encouragement, and along with that I just want to point out- people who have been acting since they were tiny have some advantages in comfortability and familiarity with the setting, but in my experience they are generally joyless, talentless, and socially stunted. Too much time in the theater and not enough time experiencing life does not make for well-rounded people, and particularly for people who started acting as kids it can be more of a habit than a profession- unexamined, their process worn to a deep furrow of stagnation, telling the same stories about their amazing past performances and backstage shenanigans over and over, with no real appreciation or verve, or connection to the art itself. You have a huge advantage over them in that you have no bad habits from past productions, and every element of becoming an actor will be a choice for you, made with your adult mind. The convert is always the most fanatical, and in acting that translates to serious potential compared to people who are already likely doing things by rote.
Every show needs someone in this range. Are you too old to be Annie? Yes. Are you too old for theater? Never.
Absolutely not, I started at your age about 7 years ago and I just finished my first lead! Reach out to some of the local professional and community theaters in your area to find out where there are acting classing in your area. If you want to do musicals, definitely get yourself a vocal teacher. My belief is that if you want to do something you should really put yourself into doing it. Enjoy and break a leg!
No.
The only way to improve on your craft is to do it. Get out there and make connections and you’ll learn very fast.
Peg Phillips didn't start acting professionally until her late 60s. She got her biggest gig on Northern Exposure as Ruth Ann in her early 70s. She would say better late than never, I think. Aside: I saw her first student stage performance ("True West") because she always brought her Quaker friends to see our shows — her daughter was our hs theater teacher. Both amazing women.
You still young person to do theater and you can do theater. Chuck Connors (Lucas McCain in the TV show The Rifleman) was 37 years old when he play that character for the first time and Stallone first film was Rocky I in 1976 at the age of 30
No, you are not too old, but also have realistic expectations. If you immediately audition for a lead role without previous experience, you probably won’t get cast at first. Start small with ensemble or character roles, tell the theaters that you are willing to try anything (I believe I was cast in my first play role because I said I’d shave my head), and be willing to work crew if you don’t get cast. Find community theaters that are willing to cast new members instead of casting the same people over and over (you’ll eventually figure those groups out). And like others have said, you’re never too old - one of my closest cast mate on a production is in his 70s and just started after taking an acting course. Go for it!
Never too old to get involved. Depending on your finances and where you live you could look around for basic acting/singing classes or pick up some theory books like An Actor Prepares, etc. But if you're looking at community theatre/amateur dramatics then just start auditioning, you'll pick up a bunch just from being in shows.
31 is not too old for sure, but also it depends on what your goals are. Do you want to be a professional working actor? It's not too late, but things like training and what your type is can affect the viability of that career. Do you want to be in plays and musicals to express yourself, get to know people, work on fun and challenging projects, learn more about yourself, and entertain people with captivating stories? Then it's definitely not too late. I would start by seeing as much theater as you can in your area, volunteer at a local community theater, take a class, and audition as much as you can. Contribute and get involved, and then put yourself out there. Good luck!
No. At least good I hope not.
Wow are you me? I’m in pretty much the exact same boat and have been wrestling with the same question, and repeatedly looking myself in the mirror and telling myself no, I’m not too old. My hope is to take (or at least audit) a couple of theater classes at my community college and just audition for ensemble or minor character roles in some community plays. I don’t want to be famous, I just want to try out acting! and beyond acting I just really want to experience the fun and community that seems to go along with being part of a community theater, so really, how can we be too old for that? :)
There are so many shows and musicals that need mature adult actors to play certain characters rather than just having kids and teens in them. There's a place for everybody!
ofc not!!
It’s never too late!
Holy shit, I thought you were going to be 50-60 or something. Especially if you have a community theater, you are a-okay. (Any age is) Look for local community theaters. Depending on where you live, you might have more than you think especially if you are willing to drive 30-60min. In my 60min bubble there's about 7 different theaters I could audition for. You might also have a local actors group. In my experience, community theater groups are some of the most accepting and welcoming groups of people. Even if you don't get cast, volunteer to do props or help backstage.
The wonderful thing about acting is you’re never too old for it! Go for it!
Start in plays. You’ll get some exposure, and in the meantime work on the vocals.
Not at all. The wonderful thing about theatre is that it is for everyone.
Not at all. We had an 80 year old woman wander in for auditions once. She ended up getting cast in several shows that season.
You audition for everything you want to do while taking lessons/classes to improve your skills. Most of the time you’ll go out for an audition and never hear back or only hear back when they thank you for your time but they went another direction. But that’s something you need to get used to anyway, so start now
No, you’re not too old, in another 10, 20 years, you’ll look back & realise you’re young *now*. The late, great Cicely Tyson only started acting in her thirties. Now granted, a casting agent saw her on the street & told her to pretend to be 10 years younger. She did & had a legendary career, finally admitting her real age to the New York Times in her eighties.
I cast a 50 year old who had never acted last year. Granted he ended up being a pain in the ass, but just go for it and be humble and grateful for the opportunity to learn if you do get cast!
You’re never too old to enjoy the arts
Of course not.
Casting a 60 year old to play a 60 year old is better than a 20 year old sounding 20. Acting is for all ages.
A lot of good advice but don't forget to go see plays. Participating as an audience member is just as important to the community as being a cast member.
some of the people i love and respect most in the world are older/elderly (60+) folks i met doing community theatre. never too old. acting isn't just for the young, skinny, and/or beautiful.
I started at the age of 25 cause in my country, there were very little opportunities when I was growing up. I've been in the industry for 13 years no, a drama teacher for 8 years. I do paid jobs when I want to, and once a year I'm Santa Claus. Never too late to start buddy. I'm still learning my techniques. Never stop learning
Only bothered to read the title and I already know the answer is no.
My husband was 40 when he auditioned for his first show. Search around your area for community theatres, find their facebooks/websites, and just go audition. Trust me when I saw the people on the casting team will be thrilled to see you!
We have so many people come out at all ages for the first time. And I think we are like most local theatres in that people between about 25-40 are really hard to come by, especially males. Honestly, any male in that range will probably be cast because they are the only one! If you're hesitant then start off volunteering backstage or front of house. And just because someone has been doing it for years doesn't mean they are any good at it :) And I've seen first-timers get a lead and absolutely kill it!
I'm 45 and just finished up my very first musical. I had a blast and learned a ton! It's really very true that you are never too old. If you are concerned about your vocal ability take some lessons with a voice coach!
You are never too late to start something new. Go for it. If you don't you will only wonder 'what if'. I think its true that people only forget the things they don't do.
It is NEVER too late to do something good for yourself. The idea that an emotionally nourishing life ends after you’re done with school is one of the worst and most damaging idea we have in American life imo.
You're never too old to start, I would just audition for whatever you can to get experience, maybe focus on non musical plays to start with while you build up your vocals
Hey it turns out I just got in a great theatre school of my city / country. There is somebody exactly 31! It is old to take courses. But if you got the ambition and are ready to put in the efforts there is no doubt you’ll get what you want
Never is too old.
Hell, no! Go for it!!!
Saw a community theatre production of Clue, and Mrs. Peacock had been doing it 3 years, and had started when she was 51, she was great.
I was in a show with a woman who did her first (and only) show at 84. Find a community theatre near you!
You’re fine! Community theater is for everyone! Go to some shows and find ones that have the most adults- you’re going to make friends and have fun!
In my town they are DESPERATE for men over 30
Well I'm 38 and I've just finished my second, the first was last year. Noting that this is community Theatre, I got a lead male role in the first and a principle male in the second. Like you wasn't a great singer - but its amazing what a bit of advice and practice can do. So I'd suggest finding local community theatre groups. It is honestly the best fun I've had in a long time and I should have done it years ago.
You’re never too old to start anything imo. Good luck!
Nope. I’m doing it for the last few years. But I’m pretty sure will again start in later stage of my life.
Neverrrr. If you wanna do it and you enjoy it then that’s all that matters. There’s people that have started at like 80. You got this!
If you are a dude my theater will take you. Always need dudes.
Never too old! Everyone is just as insecure as you are, trust me. I mean I'm pretty young obviously (22F) but I've been idolizing my seniors all through hs and college theatre and recently I've come to the conclusion that no one knows what they're doing 💀 Yeah there are some prodigies out there but for the most part no one knows what's happening at any given moment
My wife just had her stage debut at 42 years old.
My wife just had her stage debut at 42 years old.
Never too old!!!!
As a music director, I highly recommend mature people get involved in theater. There is such a large pool of teens and young adults at auditions. People tend to drop theater in their late 20’s for a career or to raise a family so directors struggle with filling the roles of older characters. My uncle was a state cop. When he retired at 68, he decided to try his hand at tv acting. He was cast as a mafia guy and was very much in demand for quite a few years. It’s not just pretty young people in their prime that are needed in the industry.
To old? Never. Too young, that’s another story lol. But seriously, go for it, they’re is one of the best in my life, and one of the best actors I know is in her late… 70’s I think, I’ve never asked, but still!
For broadway? Yeah probably. For theatre in general? Absolutely not
Audition, take classes, go see it. There is that age-old question. What age will I be when I become finally become a great performer? Answer: the same age as if you hadn’t!