David Copley is proving it is possible for a small-town teen from Huntington to chase big dreams and run them right into reality.

Copley, 19, attended school at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for a two-year course, beginning in New York with two semesters and ending in Los Angles with the same.

He will soon receive his Screen Actors Guild Card, and Copley will appear in a movie, "Screw Cupid," to be released next year.

Copley said he has always been interested in the creative side of life.

"Acting had always been there. It’s really arts in general that I like a lot because I can be myself. I find out more about myself and just life in art," he said. "When I was a kid, I would save my money saying I was going to act. I got into acting school and learned a lot. Now that I know a lot about it, I really love acting."

Copley said while "shaping his craft" at school, he has discovered many reasons to enjoy acting.

"I can suspend reality with other people for a period of time. It gives people the opportunity to enjoy moments. It’s from each moment to each moment you can forget who you are ... I also love to feed off the audience. What they give me, I’ll give back. It’s like having a connection with thousands of people without ever saying, ’Hey, what’s up?’ "

Copley said a good sense of self is important in his field.

"You have to know who you are. The more you know who you are, the better your acting will be," he said.

Copley will be returning to California after Christmas.

"I’ll stay there a few more years then go back to New York if nothing works out in L.A.," he said.

Living in New York and Los Angeles, he has had close encounters with the famous faces of Johnny Depp, Seth Green, Angelina Jolie and Jessica Simpson. While many would have rustled around looking for pen and paper for the chance of an autograph signing, Copley said, "I don’t go up to them. They are just people. I respect them, but I don’t idolize them because they are just people."

Copley said he prefers film to television.

"It’s less stressful. You have more leeway in time with film. You can have more patience with things in film," he said. However, he said he hasn’t yet decided whether he will pursue film or theatre.

"Now, I’m leaning more toward theatre. But, good movies are an inspiration to go the other direction, too. Something that’s truthful makes a good movie. You can like it for a good reason versus because it’s just showy," he said.

Copley has a few suggestions for up and coming actors.

"If you’re gong to get into the business, it’s tough ... until you experience it for yourself, you don’t know. Acting — if it’s what you love, don’t let other people put you down about it. If it’s what you’re good at, then stick with it. If you’re satisfied, then that’s what counts," he said.

He said he always believed it was possible to be an actor; however, "I never assumed I would because you have to work for what you get. If you do the work, it will pay off in the end," he said.

Living the life of "lights, camera, action," Copley said that 10 years from now, "I hope I will be at peace with myself, living comfortably and satisfied. I’m not looking for riches and fame."