Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/advice on acting/singing

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Expert: - 2/6/2008


Question
hey im 15 and want to be an actress/singer.. i just want to know ur advice on what to do and what not to don't

Answer
Hi Brandi,

What to do:

Take acting and singing classes. Make sure the singing classes are through someone who won't teach you to sing like a choir chick.

Why take classes? Because that is how you find out really quick if you are cut out for acting and singing or need to work your ass off.

I know of no one who just stepped into film who didn't take classes first. Don't look for shortcuts. Anything worthwhile takes work and you get back what you put into it.

What Not to do:

Get an attitude at first or EVER. If you think you can't fall, you will discover you can and it's easier to walk out of it when you didn't act like a primadonna.

Don't think that because you are good looking that you don't have to try. That goes for anything in life, not just acting. Looks fade, talent and being a genuine person doesn't.

In Southern California there are thousands of people better looking than you. Trust me. And I haven't even seen you! Half of those expect to get by on looks. Some of those will just go home in defeat.
Others will find themselves in places they didn't expect. Some find themselves acting all right...in adult films.
Those who have looks AND talent may do well, that is if they keep taking classes and work hard. I say MAY because there are no guarantees in life. Unlike the movies, you can be a good person, be talent and have the looks and still it may not happen.

Lif is not fair. But no matter what you do, never rely on your looks to make it through life. You don't have to sign up for aging or even agree with it...it just happens, and it WILL happen to you too!

Best advice: be kind to others, be brave and work hard on your dreams and DO NOT GIVE UP! Watch others leave and quit, but you keep trying, even when it looks hopeless.

Best,

Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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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).

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