Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 2/13/2008

Question
Hi,
  I love to act. I have only acted in small plays however. I asked my mom if she would let me audition for commecials and what not and she said she would and she would put as much effort as I did into it. so I was wondering how I should go about starting out in an acting career. By the way I am 15 and live in Pennsylvania.

Thanks
Lou<3

Answer
Hi Lucia,

It's great that your mom has given you such a great deal. Many young actors that write me have zero support from parents because they fear their offspring will not become doctors and lawyers like they hope. I would rather my children be happy and exposed to as many interests to find their "bliss" to figure out just what that is.

Your mom is a smart one. She's saying that she will back you as long as you don't flake out on her and quit the moment things don't play out the way you wanted. The ONLY way you get anywhere in this business is to demonstrate the strength of your character and not quit.

Think about it like this: when you see a movie where the main character has everything going for him, he usually runs into some defeat that stops him in his tracks. Do you ever see him say "This is too hard...I was supposed to win this, but I guess I'm not cut out for it!" NO! He picks himself up, dusts himself off (or heals himself up, or starts training harder, etc.) and goes on to win!

It happens in real life too! What if on the first sign of difficulty, you give up on acting? You'd never know what might have been if you had just dried your tears and decided to work harder and keep up your classes until you get better and get that role you audition for.

I am not saying you are guaranteed to be a star by doing this, just that you will have more success if you stick with it. Your mom has given you a great deal!

As to what you need to do: Take acting classes! classes not only teach you how to be a better actor, but they also let you practice with other actors and grow, as well as they give you the opportunity to meet other acting people who can recommend agents, point you toward other teachers and audition opportunities. Every time I take a new class, I get back 10 times the cost of the class. (Yes, I still take classes as often as possible!) The place NOT to practice is at an audition or on the set. You want the casting directors and agents and directors to see you at your best!

There are all types of classes to take. Start out with the beginning class and go on to intermediate classes, film acting classes, improvisation, auditioning, etc. You won't have to wait until you've taken ALL those to look for an agent, but wait at least until you have gotten through the intermediate classes to start looking.

Best to you,

Taylor