Feature -- By Karen Rocznik

With the emergence of a booming film and theatre industry in Alberta, many young people are seeking opportunities in hopes of becoming the next Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt. But how realistic is this dream? Despite the lure of Hollywood and fame, it's a long haul for young actors and actresses who want to make it in the film and theatre industry.

Johnson-Diamond happy at home

Karen Johnson-Diamond has been a professional actor for 11 years. Growing up in Edmonton, she knew she wanted to pursue acting as a career after her first drama class in grade 10. After receiving her performing arts diploma from Red Deer College, she began working in children's theatre in Edmonton and Calgary. Today, Johnson-Diamond has gotten steady work with Quest Theatre and Shadow Productions and can currently be seen in EXPOSED at the Garry Theatre. Despite her impressive resume, she admits that if it wasn't for the second income from her husband, she would be back waiting tables to make ends meet. "There's actors out there that work constantly and that's great, but there's not a lot of them."

Unlike most actors who want to make it big, she says she's happy where she is today. "Ninety percent of the actors, their goal is to be at Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects and from there move to L. A. or whatever. And that doesn't matter to me. I don't care about that. I care about if the audience loves what I'm doing."

Hoos-going all the way

While the lights of "Tinseltown" may not be beckoning Johnson-Diamond, they can seem enticing for some young people. Matt Hoos, a second-year theatre student the University of Calgary, has been working in theatre and film for nine years. He got his start acting in an RCMP training video dealing with abused children and worked on a science-based television series called "Down to Earth" for two years. Currently, he's working with the Pleiades Theatre doing science demonstrations for kids. So, what's his secret to finding work?

"I don't have the conventional approach to getting an agent and that kind of thing. I haven't had time to really commit myself to a full-blown career as of yet. I've been lucky enough to have opportunities just sort of fall in my lap." Hoos, 20, says he is happy doing live theatre in Calgary, but plans on leaving the city once he's finished school. First stop Vancouver, then perhaps L.A. or New York. "It's a real difficult thing to break into the scene professionally here. There are people in school who have never done a professional show. What university doesn't teach you is how important it is and how difficult it is to work here. It's hell."

Michelle Pearson, agent and owner of Dagaz Talent, agrees that it's hard for young people to find work in professional theatre. "It's tons easier to find work in film.

Morales-actor for hire

A couple of years ago it was really hard, but now there's a lot more work." Pearson, who had clients work on "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and "The X-files", stresses that any young person considering working as an actor should get their hands on as much theatre experience as possible. "There's all kinds of amateur theatre out there, but as an agent, I won't go for that stuff. If you want the experience, get your hands in anything at school or amateur theatre. You want professional work. Get an agent."

For other young people, it's not the promise of fame or the glamour of Hollywood that attracts them to acting. When Edwin Morales, 22, got his first taste of acting at All Nations Theatre in Calgary, he knew he had found his calling. Morales recently dropped out of business at Mount Royal to pursue acting full-time. In the beginning, his family was completely against his acting pursuits, but have since come around. Since he started acting four years ago, Morales has worked solely with All Nations. "I do want to get more work in acting. I see myself growing with it. I'm willing to go wherever the work is. I just want to act."

So, whether you are seriously thinking about giving Brad Pitt or Julia Roberts a run for their money, or are content working locally, acting gives many young people the opportunity to do what they love. Entertain.

If you are interested in pursuing acting as a career, here's some info to get you started:

• All Nations Theatre - Offers acting classes and paid acting experience. Call 261-5877
• Theatre Calgary's theatre school offers acting classes for all ages. Call 294-7441

For more information about Dagaz Talent visit their website at www.dagaztalent.com

For more information about getting your foot in the door check out the February 2004 issue of nextSteps.org