What my ambition is to be is a film actress, which is much like most of you. I currently live in Montana, where the chances of that happening are very low, however I will be heading to L.A. in a couple weeks for Actorsfest, but I have the creeping doubts because I have hardly any experience except for theatre classes I took in school (grades 8-12). I did participate in some plays and a couple of musicals, was inducted in our school's Thespian troupe and that's about it. No fancy theatre colleges, acting coaches, nada. I scaped up all the money I could to go to this thing and I'm very worried it will be for nothing. It's not just me who will suffer/benefit from this; I'm married. I am really wanting this and my husband supports me 110%, but I'm frightened that once I get in that room with them that I will fail and all of this will be for nothing. I have this feeling that this is my one chance.

Please help me with anything you can throw out there--tips, hints, etc. Anything will help me.

I don't think ActorFest is the best way to enter the business but if you are financially committed go and see what happens. You may be just what they are looking for.

It will definitely NOT be your last chance.

You should join http://www.actorsaccess.com/ and submit for everything you can. Look for any opportunities to audition on tape but be aware you will have to travel for most auditions and definitely for callbacks.

Good luck!

You are putting too much importance into your performance at ONE event. You need to see this as a learning experience and an opportunity to network with people to help you move in the right direction. I think you will get much more of the event and your anxiety will fade away if see this as a learning experience.

There will be another opportunity and when it comes you will be prepared.

What are your expectations? If you reduce them to zero, then there will be no worries.

Cybercafes like Backstage forum has replaced live, real time hang outs for people. As a result, people have become more guarded about talking to strangers.

AF is like a convention. You'll realize how much competition there is. You'll also see you're not alone

They've got huge trash bins to drop off headshots. NO WAY they're all read. Straight to the recycling center, I think.

You get to choose to meet one or a few people, along with MANY others. Expect nothing. One CD gave me his email after we "met." I waited in a line of actors for 30 - 60 minutes to meet.

AF is fun if you're into that. Don't bet your career on it.

Your story is almost verbatim mine acceept I lack the incredible opportunity you have and I'm stuck in Del Rio, TX, for now (look it up... )... So, I say you go with the expectation that nothing will happen but to have fun and meet some amazing people. And remember One seemingly bad life experience can never keep you from your dreams and even help fuel the fire more. Sure, you could have the worst time of your life but you could also have the best and it depends on your attitude which you will have. In the words of The Genie, "Just beeee yourself".

Also, highly recommend reading and rereading "Audition by Michael Shurtleff" before you go. It's fantastic for perspective and practical self assured auditioning and general promotion.

http://books.google.com/books?...HgAQ&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAA