You are here:
Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/acting
Advertisement
Question
Hey! My name is Blakney Clark. I'm 12 years old. I have a dream of becoming an actress. I want this more than ever. I do have experience with acting. I just need some advice on how to get started,find auditions,and how do you get an agent? Do you know of any auditions that may get me started?
Thanks,
Blakney Clark
Hi Blackney,
So sorry for the delay in answering, I have been sick for a while.
The thing for you to concentrate on at this time is taking acting classes to get an understanding as to what acting is about and what to do...and what NOT to do.
Without training you are not a professional, just an amateur. You want to do this step before looking ahead. Taking classes for at least a year, will get you a solid foundation to look and act professional in acting. You can skip this, but do you really want to ruin the chance to get somewhere by not knowing what you are doing.
Once an agent or casting director sees you mess up, that's what they will remember, sometimes for years and years.
Start with classes, the after you are ready, you can look at getting and agent, who will find you auditions, no sweat!
Best,
Taylor
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.