Yahoo! Answers

This week, we’re delighted to have you meet Answers user and resident theater expert AmyJane. In the first of two blog posts, we’d like to introduce her to you and showcase her amazing tips on succeeding in acting.

A resident of Edmonton, Canada, AmyJane adores reading, movies, and—of course—theater. She enjoys Answers because she loves sharing her expertise in the field, and expanding her knowledge through researching people’s questions.

She has been acting for over 10 years in various high school, community, college and professional productions, as well as working as an entry-level theater technician (light and sound board operation, stage management and backstage crew). In the last couple years, she diversified her theater resumé by working as a director, film extra, producer, voice-over actor and teacher.

She holds diplomas in Theater Performance and continues to attend workshops to learn more about and improve her craft. “I find that many people don’t realize how much work goes into the job of being an actor, they just want to be famous – but being famous is not a job,” she insists.

So enough of us—over to AmyJane. Here’s her lowdown on taking to the stage

How do I get into acting?
“If you are looking to start an acting career, than there are a few harsh realities that you will have to accept right off the bat. Acting may be fun, but it is not easy. Don’t do this because you think it’s an easy ticket to fame or fortune. It isn’t.
“Not many people can make a living off of just acting work, because for every 20 auditions you get you may get one callback, and for every ten callbacks you may get one job. It is an industry with cutthroat competition! You’ll need dedication, talent, a tough skin, passion, luck and industry connections to get the work – with no guarantees of financial success.”
“Now if all these facts are fine with you, than good – you’re on the right track. But you’ll still need a lot more than just headshots and an address to a studio for casting calls. It’s best to start an acting career, the same way you’d start a career as a doctor or lawyer, or anything else – with an education.”

Do I need qualifications?
“Most post-secondary schools have scholarships or grants (money you don’t have to pay back); you’ll have to contact the individual school you’re interested in for more information. Ask for the financial aid department and somebody there should be able to help you. You can also look into scholarships and grants given by your high school or community.

“The government may also have money for schooling available to you (but I don’t suggest getting a student loan for acting, as you’ll most likely have a very hard time paying it back). You should start saving your money ASAP and begin looking into free money as soon as possible, so that you make sure you have enough time to work on all the requirements (essays, references, etc).”

How important is experience?
“While you’re taking the weekend workshops, six-week intensives, or eight semesters of school, you’ll also want to get experience. Take anything and everything that comes your way. In the beginning no role is too small. Try acting in different mediums – stage and film – even if you’re passionate about one in particular. You’ll learn more from being in productions than classes (at least that was my experience), but this is only true if you have a solid foundation of the skills and techniques that you get with good training.”

In part two, read AmyJane’s responses to:

How do I audition?
How long does it take to “make it”?
How do I pay the bills?
Why should I try to become an actor?

Know someone who’s “wowed” you on Answers? Think somebody deserves to be celebrated as the next Featured User on the Answers Blog? We want to hear from you!

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Monastirian Beach, Tunisia by Tunisian Belle.

Last week we featured an amazing Answers user, Tunisian Belle, and got a really positive response. In the second half of this profile, Tunisian Belle gives her recommendations for 10 quick things to try in Tunisia and her top three must-see experiences in the country.

Over to her:

Babosh, Jundubah, Tunisia by Tunisian Belle

Sidi Bou Said

“Located in Northern Tunisia (20 kilometers from the capital of Tunis), this is a traditional city known for its use of the traditional blue and white colors. It is essentially a town on a cliff overlooking the bay of Tunis.

“Follow the cobblestone street upward into town and get great views of the blue sea and marina. In the center square is the famous Café des Nattes, better known as the High Coffee. It is decorated in a traditional Tunisian atmosphere.

“If you continue your climb up the hill, you can go to the Café Sidi Chaabane which overlooks the Bay of Tunis and offers beautiful views. There are many small streets to wander around, and great places to sit and have a mint tea.”

Tozeur, Tunisia by Tunisian Belle

Tozeur

“Located close to the Sahara, it is home to locations of some of the biggest films of all time, including “Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “The English Patient.” One of the most beautiful and distinct architectural styles in all of Tunisia can be found in Tozeur, where buildings are made of rectangular yellow brinks arranged into patterns.

“There is an oasis in Tozeur that measures about 11 or 12 square km and has small settlements scattered all throughout it. Close by is Belvedere Park, where an artist has begun to carve faces out of the mountainside. One attraction not to be missed is Dar Cherait. It offers such wonderful things as a trip back through history’s museum, hotel, and oasis tour.”

Sousse

“This is one of the most popular tourist destinations because it offers so much diversity. There is everything from beautiful beaches and historic sites, to modern shopping and wonderful restaurants. It is one of the older cities in Tunisia and possesses an authentic medina, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

“When people think of Sousse, many think of Port El Kantaoui, a tourist complex 10 kilometers north of Sousse “centre ville” (downtown Sousse).It is home to a modern marina equipped for over 300 boats, several golf courses, and a full array of other sporting activities, from skiing to paragliding.

“Because of its central location, Sousse is primed to offer many different day trips to various locations throughout the country. Some of the more popular attractions include the Traditional Tunisian House, the Catacombs, the Great Mosque, and the Mosaic Museum. For families, the main attractions are Aqua Palace, Hannibal Park, Oasis Parc Botanique, Hergla Karting Park, and Friguia Safari Park.”

Subterranean home in Matmata, Tunisia. Photo by Tunisian Belle.

“People dig their houses deep into pits. It keeps the house warm during the winter and cool during the summer. There is an entrance hidden from the other side along a steep hill which the family uses to get in and out of their house.”

Tunisian Belle’s 10 Tunisian “must-tries”

• Ride a camel

• Get a desert rose

• Get a Harcouse (henna) tattoo

• Take a carriage ride

• Visit the Medina

• Go to the Souk

• Eat couscous

• Try harissa (North African hot red sauce made from chili peppers)

• Try a sheesha (a water pipe for smoking used for smoking herbal fruits)

• If you go to the Sahara, buy a long piece of cloth and have the seller make it into a hat for you (it helps to keep the dust out of your hair and face).

• Eat traditional Tunisian sweets. You have to ask for them specifically at the patisseries, since they keep them separate from the other sweets

Know someone who’s wowed you on Answers? Think somebody deserves to be celebrated as the next Featured User on the Answers Blog? We want to hear from you!

Email the Answers team a link to the user’s profile or answers to: y_answrs_editors@yahoo.com.Bottom of Form

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The wonder of Answers is never more apparent than when you encounter one of the community’s truly great participants. We’re going to be sharing some of this sense of wonder with you, as we highlight Answers’ own North African expert, Tunisian Belle.

Jamie (her real name) was raised in Colorado and is married to a commercial pilot. She’s been living in Tunisia for more than six years. Jamie’s a stay-at-home mom with three children. She loves to travel and can speak four languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, and French.

Today we’re going to turn the blog over to Jamie, as she shares her expert knowledge of Tunisia’s people, culture and geography. Her photographs will make you feel like you’re right there with her, traveling this hot, dusty country. Welcome to Jamie’s world!

Geography

“Tunisia is in North Africa, towards the middle of the continent. Our neighbours are Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. We are directly under Sardinia, Italy. Our closest neighbors to our northeast are Malta and Sicily.

“Much of our border is on the Mediterranean Sea, and the city of Bizerte is not only the northernmost city in Tunisia, but the northernmost city for the whole continent of Africa.

“The mountain region is breathtaking! There are fantastic views and the atmosphere is reminiscent of an old town in Switzerland. Absolutely gorgeous! The coast is marvelous. The sea is clear and picturesque. The midland and south are terrific, because they offer you the chance to peek into a forgotten society—one that holds fast to tradition. I have been all over Tunisia and have visited most cities, and have loved everyone because they each have their own special charm.”

History

“The country is so full of history—it has been under the rule of Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Berbers, Ottomans, Beys and French. It played a significant part in WWII and was the center of the ancient world, with Carthage as the capital and it has so many beautiful places to visit! It is unlike any other Arab country in that is has a lot of greenery. There are also many historical ruins in just about every part of the country you go to.”

Culture

“Tunisia is also a very safe place. There are not many places in this world where a woman can walk the streets alone in the middle of the night without fear. Yet I often take late-night walks, around 11 p.m. or so when I can’t sleep and have never had any problems and have never felt fearful. I have lived in Tunis and Monastir and have visited other parts of the country without any problems.

“There is a joke here, too, that between a police officer and a police officer, you find a police officer. Believe me, it’s safe. We also let our children run around the marina or the cafés and don’t worry about someone kidnapping them, because that just doesn’t happen here. It is a terrific place to raise a family—in safety, security, love, and kindness.

“Women’s rights were implemented as soon as (Habib) Bourguiba became president. Tunisia was one of the first countries in the world to give women equality to men, and grant them the right to vote. It was one of the first Arab countries to allow women to seek a divorce from a man on her own accord, to work outside the home, and give them education on family planning.”

People

“The people are so warm and hospitable. They instantly welcome you as one of their own and treat you like family. They will offer you the clothes off their back without a second thought or expectation of being repaid. If you are lucky enough to dine with a Tunisian family, be sure that they will prepare a feast that is the best they can within their means. They will offer you the biggest and best portions of all foods.

“Family is very important here—there are no homeless people, although there are poor people. Everyone helps everyone else. Neighbors bring food to each other, the poor can always count on someone giving them food and clothes, and children are not expected to leave home as soon as they turn 18.”

Five Tunisian Belle Best Answers:

• What are some fun things to do in Tunisia?
• What are some Tunisian recipes?
• What are some shopping and bargaining tips when in Tunisia?
• Who are three important Tunisian historical figures?
• How much does alcohol cost in Tunisia?

Know someone who’s wowed you on Answers? Think somebody deserves to be celebrated as our next Featured User on the Answers Blog? We want to hear from you!

Email the Answers team a link to the user’s profile or answers: y_answrs_editors@yahoo.com.

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