Expert: Peter Messaline - 7/15/2009

Question
i want to make it as a big time actor..
i plan on going to acting classes..
doing some short films or maybe some theater.. then getting an agent..
what else could i do to get this process started faster?
is there any agencies or schools or anything you could recommend? i live in the tri- state area by the way..

Answer
I'll assume you mean the NY tri-state, not the Chicago or Pittsburgh one.

I don't know how old you are, but my advice will apply to anyone under college age.

You should definitely get some experience as an actor. Classes is one way, or joining an amateur theatre. There is a huge difference between acting classes, or acting as a hobby, and the realities of a professional actor's life, but you want to start easy, in class or before you're being paid. Many professional actors are crippled with stage fright and sometimes it gets so bad they have to give up acting. You want to approach this thing carefully.

Be very careful when you look for classes. The Tri-State Actors Theatre has a good reputation, but you should avoid classes that talk about your career success.

No reputable agent will take you on yet. There are too many young actors in NYC who have been acting since they could walk, and a real agent only makes money from you when you work. And that's a ways off yet.

It is good to get some small film experience, even in a high school film club. Most North American actors go to college, and most college acting courses look for a real active enthusiasm. Add to that experience all you can read about the job of being an actor, read about actors and plays ansd films and TV shows. Get to know what people talk about and what they say about different ways to work.