Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am 12 years old and want to persue a carerr in acting and singing,kinda like Miley Cyrus or Hillary Duff. I take classes in a group called WAG(Wee Actors Guild)and also in my school chorus.Instead of going to LA can i just send in audition tapes?And is there a possibility I can become famous at a young age?Any suggestions ?Thank you

ANSWER: There's always a possibility of becoming famous at any age - certainly there are very famous child actors who became know even as toddlers or babies.

You will need to look in your area (perhaps with the help of WAG) for what work is available, and where the closest agents are to your location.  

There are a few times when a television show or studio opens up auditions to the public, but it doesn't happen often.  Generally speaking, for the main roles in a television show or studio feature film, only professional actors are used.

I know that you can get meetings with an agent or manager in Los Angeles when you are not currently in that location - but you need to tell them when you will be.  It's unlikely an agent will represent you if they have never met you, and it would be difficult for them to submit you for auditions or jobs when you might be needed the next day.

You would be expected to provide your own transportation to auditions and work - so if you're not far from LA, and have the support of your parents to drive you there, then it may be easier.

Otherwise, if you're in or close to one of the other larger markets for acting such as NYC, Miami or even Chicago or Dallas, finding representation will be a lot easier.

It is also possible that an agent may decide to represent you, and you may be able to work out with them that they only submit you for work in the summer when you're off school and can travel - or something that works out given the distance between you, and the time/expense it takes for you to get to auditions and jobs.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

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

QUESTION: Thanks,but do you know of any upcoming auditions or any agents in the Tennessee area?

Answer
Below is a list of agencies in the Tennessee area.  Many of the websites list agency criteria, as well as instructions for new talent.

They all should be good agencies, as they are affiliated with the Screen Actor's Guild.  

Good luck to you,
~Kitty
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Advantage Models & Talent
230 FRANKLIN ROAD, FRANKLIN, TN 37064
615-790-5001
http://www.advantagemodel.com

Block Agency of Nashville Inc
611 COMMERCE ST STE 2604 NASHVILLE, TN 37203
615-259-7812
http://www.theblockagency.com

The Cannon Group
1622 16TH AVE SOUTH STE 500 NASHVILLE, TN 37212
615-297-0608
http://www.thecannongroupagency.com

D S Entertainment
9005 OVERLOOK BLVD BRENTWOOD, TN 37027
615-331-6264
http://www.dsentertainment.com

Reflection Model and Talent
304 12TH AVENUE SOUTH NASHVILLE, TN 37203
615-248-7807
http://www.reflectionagency.com

Sharon Smith Talent, LLC
521 8TH AVE. SOUTH, SUITE 302 NASHVILLE, TN 37203
615-742-4277
http://www.sharonsmithtalent.com

Talent Trek Agency
5401 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919
865-977-8735

Talent Trek Agency (II)
Full Service (All Ages)
2021 21ST AVENUE SOUTH, STE. 102 NASHVILLE, TN 37212
615-279-0010
http://www.talenttrek.com

The Avenue Model and Talent
521 8TH AVENUE SOUTH SUITE 300 NASHVILLE, TN 37203
615-293-9648
http://www.theavenueagency.com