Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 10/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Taylor Sheppard,
Hi! I'm Chelsea. I'm 15 and live with 3 brothers, 2 older ones and 1 younger one. I'm the 3rd Child.I have wanted to act since i was 13,but then we didn't have much money,i Finally got started my freshman year,I'm 15 now. I Currently live in Tennessee,But this summer (2009) I'm moving back to Chicago,(where i came from). Anyway I have acting classes at the Roxy Theater in Clarksville,Its so much fun.Anyways Like I Wanted to know if you could tell me which agents are really good in Chicago,And If i can get an agent from just doing (Acting classes and Community Theater And Theater Arts) I will still continued doing Acting classes and reading as much as i can. Just really need to know. Thanks Appreciate it!

ANSWER: Hi Chelsea,

I am not familiar with the top agents in Chicago, but it shouldn't be hard to find out!

Yes, you should be able to find an agent with the background you have at your age. If you were older, it would be harder, but they cut a little slack if you have youth on your side. Main thing is to get good headshots done, and have your resume looking sharp. Check the web for acting resume samples -they are out there- just submit by mail and wait for a reply. Do not approach the agents or call to talk. Do this by mail. If interested they will contact you by the contact info you hopefully will be sure to include with the headshot/resume.
Do not put down your height, weight, eye color, hair color, age, etc.
Just your name and list your education credits for acting, your roles and your special talents: skating, swimming, juggling, whatever.


Best,

Taylor

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

QUESTION: Taylor.
Thanks.
Do you know any where you recommend me taking acting classes in Chicago.
ACTONE.com
looks great ??
So i did good for starting at my age??
Headshots;;
like a photoshoot Or more like Just taking professional Pictures??
So don't write anything about my age,hair,weight,eye color,etc.
Also some of my uncles and cousins have been extras in movie;; is that a good thing to start doing too;;
Could i put that on a resume;;
Also Taylor most teens think its just about getting famous or making money but i like to act it seems fun and actually learning how to be an actress is the most funniest;;
I'm not sure if ill make it to the industries but i really am putting a 110% into it;;
Do you think ill make it??


Right now i cant do that because i live in an area where we have nothing in this town
Erin... Grr... lol

Chelsea;;

ANSWER: Yes, Chelsea,

I think you have a good start and being an extra can be beneficial if you pay attention to how things work and watch the actors. I did a lot of extra work before I got my break. Just try to lay low when waiting to be used on the set: don't be overeager to be "placed" on set. Usually the overeager get put in the back to avoid them trying to get on camera. They will tend to pick people that haven't been seen later in the shoot for more important spots.

A headshot is usually a head and shoulders photo. It should be taken with a professional photographer who does these. Do not waste your time with a friend and a camera or a mall photo store. Spend the money to do it right! It's your calling card for the business.

As to your chances, who knows? I have found myself successful because I didn't get discouraged and quit, because I love doing it. I am not rich from it, I am not terribly famous, but I have been able to do things I am proud of, and many people wish they have. It all depends on being yourself and being trained when the time comes, not waiting until the last minute to get skills. It also depends on being in the right place at the right moment. To do that, you just put yourself out there doing it and going to every audition you can.

I don't have knowledge of good classes in Chicago, but they shouldn't be hard to find!

Best, Taylor

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

QUESTION: Extra's is what me and my mom were talking about first.
Also I can get headshots because my cousin was a model and has great pictures so yeah she knows people;;
Yes my one think about being an actress is for kids to look up to me and Know that if you work hard at what you want,you'll get it,but then again it dosent always work that way. lol
Im taking one step at a time.

Classes in Chicago arent hard to find,
So right now i just joined My towns Community theater
My friend did too.

Also i will go to every audition i can;;
and if they say no you didnt make it ill say "Thanks,do you know what i need to work on"

They say you dont have to have an agent live in your state;; but like should you mostly have someone around or some one you can bearly talk to unless on the phone.
you know....

Sorry if im asking to many questions;;  

Answer
Hi Chelsea,

I couldn't understand your question, but I will try to answer.

You don't need an agent for extra work, but you do for auditions for roles in tv or film or commercials...even print ads.

Casting people contact agent and tell them what they need. "I need 14-16 yr old girls for a high school volleyball scene.."
They agent digs through her catalog and pulls all the talent that fit that description. The headshots/resumes are sent to casting who calls back and says: "I want to see these actors:_____" Your agent calls you and you go at your appointed time to wherever the audition is, and do your best.

Casting does not hold open calls for anything worthwhile. They don't have time nor want to be "American Idol" watching hapless, talentless people try to act. They use agents so they know the people are worth seeing. If you can get an agent chances are, the agent determined you can do it. They don't risk their business on wannabes that will embarrass them.

Good Luck!

Taylor