Hello SAM, I writing in your section, because I hope you will take the time to read and understand what I have to say, but if it would succeed better in a different section then please let me know.

I am 17 years old, a male, and in a position in my life where I'm confused. I look at myself as a rare to find individual, but I am not cocky in any way. I was a lead in 2 school plays last year and enjoyed them, but i am also a competitive person and can not live without sports. I have taken acting classes and got great feedback from them and am looking to fit more into my schedule for this fall and winter, but it will be hard as I am also a starter on the football team (we are ranked in the top 10 in our state)
I need help with deciding what to do at this time in my life. I know I will not be a nfl player and I do not know if I can be a working actor, but what would be the best step for me to take at this time? My real problem is that I have a feeling that it would be hard to stick with an agency while not being free too often, but I don't want to make a decision too late. Also I am a senior and college is always knocking at the door, so I need help with what major to pick that will allow me to have the most freedom when choosing an acting career. Sorry for the long read and all replys are greatly appreciated. p.s. I attached a snapshot done at my house just to give you a better idea of what my options may be. Thank you

matt_photographer1_046ps_small.jpg (96 Kb, 64 downloads) Just a pic

At this point, you're not ready to make a 100% committment to acting (or anything) and that's just fine. I'm a big believer in college so I strongly suggest that you continue your education. Maybe you can apply to schools that have strong sports and drama departments. Doing this will give you time to make some life decisions while you get your degree - which is a big accomplishment in and of itself.

Trust me - I've been in your position. What's not clear at 17 might become very clear in a few more years.

i think the better road to take is that which leads you to be a better person overall.

you have your whole life ahead of you. what you do now can make your life so much more enjoyable for yourself and those that love you.

I dont know where you live, but when you become 18, and if you are close enough to a major market, you can shop yourself with some agencies while you attend college.

the thing about college, is that it dont have to be 5 days a week. u can schedule it to be 3 days a week, 12-15 credits. leaving you free to audition and book short term gigs like commercials and dayplayer parts on the days you not at college.

be sure your agent understands your schedule including holidays and when you are free more often such as spring break and etc.

best of luck to you, and for what its worth, you look a bit younger than 18 and that can play a big part in your amount of bookings. I'd consult with people about your huge eyebrows though.

There are definately agents out there who are willing to work with actors who are still going to school.

Like what was mentioned by SAGAFTRAAEA, college schedule is not like High School. I remember decades ago when I was school, I only have classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. (from early morning to late night) - but I had two days for myself to relax, and do other works.

If you are not sure if you are going to be 100% committed to Acting, or if a career in Acting is for you... It doesn't hurt to Minor in Theatre (or if you are a trooper... double Major!) - start taking classes, work with other students.. And I'm sure down the road, you will have a more clear idea if this is a career for you.

At the same time, I'm sure there are school theatre productions, student films that you can audition, and book gigs... And look in local papers, internet to to casting calls around the area... and just, go for it.

In terms of Sport, it is a much short life-spin career if you are not going to take it professionally after college. So, you will some how have to find a back-up plan (as your Major in colelge) that sparks your interest, and will be able to support yourself and your family. (This is just from my personal perspective)

Good Luck with everything.

Thank you everyone for your comments and SAGAFTRAAEA you made me laugh with that eyebrow comment, I am actually lucky because they are very easy to get done and take little to no time (I consider them to be one of my many flaws that I have accepted haha)

It definitly seems like using this year to just take classes would benefit my options in the future, so I will look at the big picture and wait till college to seriously get into acting if I will still want to. I also wasn't aware of the option in college to not have school all 5 days, which could definitely help in auditioning and such.

I live near Philadelphia by the way and if anyone could tell me what colleges in new york are not too hard to get into, but have that option of minoring in theatre or even majoring that would help me a lot. I carry a 3.0 unweighted and a 4.0 weighted gpa and take ap level classes just for the challenge if that helps in making a college selection. Thank you again and I look forward to anymore helpful information.