Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 12/1/2008

Question
Hi!  Here's some background information:
I'm currently a senior in High School and in the process of choosing a college to attend next year.  I want to major in Communications and minor in Acting, but while I'm not in school, I want to pursue a career in film acting.  I know LA is usually the go-to place for acting, but as far as college goes, I'm gunning for Columbia in NY.  My question is, it I make it into Columbia, can I pursue my film acting career just as effectively over there?  Are there actual agencies and agents that represent people other than Broadway actors and models?  I look forward to hearing from you soon and thanks so much in advance! :)

Answer
Hi Gabriel, Well,  you sound like the typical guy who wants to be an actor,but whose parents insist on college and something practical to fall back on.  But  you have the right idea, to try to get established as a film actor while going to school. Howver, NYC is hardly the best place to do this as it is wall to wall actors trying to get jobs. Columbia is also too large a school to make it easier to get on with your acting. Where are you located now? I would suggest San Diego, Atlanta, somewhere in Florida as better places and auggest a small liberal arts college.  Contact me at kencosp@aol.com where I advise aspiring actors from all over the world.  Let me know your acting background and home state, God bless,Doc