Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 1/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi. My names Lini, and i was wondering how i can get started with an acting career or modeling without having any experience. I know that I need an agent, and I'm working on that, but is that all I need to do?

ANSWER: Hi Lini,

Glad to see you are enthusiastic!
Might I suggest one thing? Start taking acting classes and modeling classes (two different things) FIRST, then start looking for an agent. If you are asking an agent to sign you, it may well give you an edge to be able to say that you are taking them and from someone they know of. That way, even if you are  little un-schooled at all of this, they have reason to believe if they take you on, you will improve! Believe it or not, you don't just walk onto a set or a runway or photo shoot off the street. Actors train to make it look easy, but there's a lot to it you don't see.
Same for models. for instance, what would you do if you were told to pose laying on your side next to a pool? Well, it is supposed to look comfortable, but in reality, you would be trying to keep your weight off of your thighs. Why? because if you have your weight fully on your thighs, unless you are super-skinny (and even if you are) you will flatten your thighs out and they will look flabby...even if they aren't. The joke is true: you pose most un-naturally to look natural. You will learn secrets like this and more from taking classes. Fashion photographers don't have a lot of patience to spoon feed someone who doesn't know what she's doing through a photo shoot. They don't mind adjustments, but someone who is clueless is a waste of time, and time IS money in the BUSINESS. Take the classes, learn the secrets.

I wish you success and that you learn a lot!

Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh, I understand! How do I find classes in my area? I'm usually a "google search" fanatic. That's usually where I look, but I'm sure I'd have to do more than that. Is there a better way to find places to go?

Answer
Hi  again Lini,

Around where I live you could throw a stone and hit an acting
coach, no problem. It might be a little harder in your area, I understand, but still, it should be possible.

One thing that's a little like the "chicken and the egg" analogy, is that once you get started with acting classes, they seem to be all around you because you are involved in them.

I don't know if you have a City Search in your town, but that can be a source. Also, the good old yellow pages should have acting schools listed. You could also look to theaters in your area (not movie, but live shows) and they could point you in the right direction.

Hope this helps!

Best, Taylor