Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 1/28/2008

Question
    I'm really, truly, interested, but don't really know where to start in this this
absolutely INSANE world of acting. I want to just jump into this, but the past
few
times I've tried, I've almost drowned in the fast moving current.
    Here are my questions:
-Is it imperative that I join a talent agency or find an agent to represent me?
-How do do I tell if the agent/agency is legit?
-What do they do? -or- Could I do it by myself?
-I live in Portland, OR, (probably better than the one in Maine, but not by a
very large margin) what is the best way for me to get work?
-Would it be a good idea to start in the biz now (I'm 14 by the way)?

Hope you can help me by answering my questions!

Thanks,
            Noah  

Answer
HI Noah.  OK to answer your questions.  1. Yes, you will eventually need an agent.  2. Legit agents do not charge anything and do not try to sell you anything.  3. You really cannot do what they do, you don't have the connections. 3. The best way for you to get work is to get an agent.  4. No, it is not a very good idea to try to start at 14.  There are very few young teen roles.  Now, what one has to do to become an actor at 14 is to have their parents work very hard finding them experience,training and eventually an agent.  At 14, you could not have much experience, so it is imperative that you get active in your school speech and drama activities and classes. So that is it. Parents and school are the keys to becoming an actor. Best wishes, Doc