I’ve been asking my parents to enroll me in voice lessons (singing lessons) and acting lessons for months now, but they still won’t do it. They think that I’m “too obsessed” with theatre and fine arts that I’ll burn out by the time I’m 20.

they don’t understand that this is my calling—my vocation, if you’re Catholic like me—and that I want this more than just to prove to my director that I’m good enough for a lead; I want this because I love music, I love theatre, I love ballet and jazz and all other types of dance.

my parents think I’m “missing out on childhood” because I’m so focused on my career. I just want to be better. I want to be so talented that I’m undeniable, that I don’t have to worry if I’m flat or sharp, if my eyebrows are making the right shape, if I’m making the correct vowel choices; I can just perform, enjoy it.

I get stressed about rehearsals. I don’t always love the circumstances that come with it. I get tired and need a break, but there’s nothing better to me than stepping out on our sh!tty gym stage and just performing. It’s my everything

I just need help convincing them to let me continue to develop my craft.

Drama Queen: An LGBTQ+ Acting Workshop with Jade Esteban Estrada

As an actor, educator, and proud drama queen, I created this workshop for queer performers ready to take risks, tell the truth, and shine brighter than ever.

Come play, explore your story, and connect with a bold, supportive LGBTQ+ community. This is your space. Your voice. Your moment.

June 18, 2025 | 6–9 pm CST* | Zoom $50 | Link in comments | [email protected]

*Registration closes at 5 p.m. CST

Photo: Peter DiAntoni

Heartland is the longest-running TV drama in Canadian history, and it kicks off its 17th season this fall. The multi-generational show follows a family of horse ranchers and has long featured the sprawling landscapes of Southern Alberta.

In addition to the new season, the show is celebrating its 250th episode with a special gala at this year's Calgary International Film Festival.

On Tuesday's Traffic Jams, Sept 26 at 5:45pm MT, cast member Michelle Morgan (Lou Fleming) joins Lisa Wilton to talk about her experiences both in front of and behind the camera.

Missed the interview? Find Lisa Wilton and Traffic Jams OnDemand at www.ckua.com/lisa

bro is just so genuinely talented on top of being positively adorable. And when I say he is talented, bare in mind I do not have the brain of an average person, I am incredibly autistic about acting and vocal performance and have studied them for years, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt Mr. Rannells is amazing!! I prefer him on camera simply bc I love watching him act and I can't see every choice when he's on stage.

This is where it gets annoying, but idfc, I love him. I love him for what we call in the actor world, his 'essence' which is pretty much like his soul combined with his present physical body. From a casting perspective, an actor's essence must match the director's vision. Unfortunately most of the time this means, "is the person sexy in the directors opinion and do they act good", but hopefully it is much more complicated than that when you're in the audition room. But Andrews essence is so genuine? (I refer to him as though I know him bc while I respect him, I hope to one day meet him 😭.) But the way he squints his eyes and quirks his brows when he is processing the situation and what he's saying while in character is SO GOOD!! it scratches a part of my brain as the kids would say.

UGH!!!

Andy Randy I love you sm.

If you have the time, I beg you to watch this performance. It's a personal favorite of mine, idk he's so good at being fucking insane. His essence is definitely wise beyond his years idk man. I love actors who can play absolutely horrible people and still manage to win my heart

https://youtu.be/nPAKFZ9hLbo

You intend to enroll in an online acting course, then. Great! Online acting courses are a great method to pick up the fundamentals of acting. The best part about them is that anyone with an internet connection may use them from home. But to make the greatest choice for yourself, research how it operates and what is accessible before enrolling in your first online acting course.