Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/27/2008

Question
...After 24 years of shelving what I was in college for (dance, voice and acting)I cannot seem to let this dream die.  Could you give any advice on how to begin again?
Thanks!

Answer
You're at a good age to start again - particularly in you're in the Miami, Los Angeles or NYC area.  But where ever you are, I would advise for you to seek agency representation.

There are agency directories available in your local library, bookstore or online, or on newsstands in LA/NYC that will supply you with the contact information for the agencies closest to you.

For acting, they may require you to have a professional actor's headshot and resume before you submit your information for consideration.  In the library or bookstore you can find (hopefully) current information on what the format looks like for your area, and can also visit headshot photographer's websites or printers websites for samples.

Ideally, if you do not need to submit a headshot/resume to obtain representation or a meeting/audition with an agent, you can ask the agents you meet with for a list of area photographers or a couple samples of good headshots/resumes from their roster.

Dance and voice is a bit different, and some agencies may handle both those areas as well as acting, so it would be good to ask for representation in all areas.  Again, they may want you to have something such as a demo tape prepared for voice - but may let you perform in an audition for them instead.  Always good to get representation before you invest in a lot of materials for your craft, if possible.

And good for you not giving up on your dream!  I'm very happy to hear that you are returning to it.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty