Hey you: A Blog Series for Young Aspiring Actors

Welcome to "Hey You," a blog series for young, aspiring actors—brought to you by me, Jessica, a working actor and teaching artist with over 20 years in the industry. In each post, I’ll share the highs, the lows, and lessons learned---the stuff you won’t learn in class. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just honest guidance to help you find your voice, build confidence, and take your next step. It's the mentorship I wish I had—now passed on to you.

---

#1

Hey you,

Yeah, you, with the brave heart.

The one rehearsing lines in the mirror when no one’s watching.

The one who lights up just thinking about stepping onto a stage.

The one who’s wondering: Am I good enough? Do I belong? Can I do this?

This letter is for you.

I see you.

Because I was you.

I didn’t grow up with industry connections. I didn’t have all the answers or a clear path.

But I had a passion for storytelling, a voice that wouldn’t stay quiet, and a dream that kept me moving forward—even when things got tough.

And let me tell you something, I wish someone had told me back then:

This journey is not easy. It’s beautiful, yes—but also full of uncertainty, rejection, and long nights of questioning yourself.

But it’s also where you discover your strength. Your truth. Your light.

That’s why I’m writing to you.

Because if someone had written to me at the start—shared the lessons, the real talk, the quiet encouragement—I would’ve felt a little less alone.

So this is for every young artist out there—

Whether you’re stepping onstage for the first time, dreaming of Broadway or film, or just trying to figure out where you fit in this wild world of theatre and performance.

In Hey You: a blog series for young aspiring actors, I’ll be sharing everything I’ve learned over 20 years in the industry. The highs. The lows. The unspoken truths. The stuff you won’t learn in class.

This is mentorship, storytelling, and heart, all rolled into one.

So whether you’re 13, 23, or somewhere in between:

Pull up a chair. You’re seen. You’re valued. You’re on your way.

And in case no one told you yet:

You are enough. You are needed. You are becoming.

Sincerely,

Jessica

Your mentor in the wings

Are you a young aspiring actor with a question about acting, theatre, or staying confident in your journey? Leave a comment below or write to me anonymously at peakyouthprograms@gmail.com with the subject: "Hey You" Question. I might feature it in a future letter.