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Question
Hi. My daughter is almost 3 years old. Of course I think she is the most beautiful child on the Earth, but I am constantly getting stopped so people can tell me how cute or pretty she is. She also has a very strong personality. I have always been very animated in my expressions, and she is exactly the same way. She can grab the attention of an entire room. She has also been in several pageants and has won over 85% of them. I am thinking about trying to get her into acting or modeling or something. I am a teacher and the extra money would guarantee her a better future. I think she would be great at it, but I don't even know where to start. What should I do??
Hi Alisha,
Well, I have always believed that you aren't an actor/singer/concert pianist -until someone ELSE says it. 85 is pretty darn good!
Short answer? Locate local talent agents in your area and send snapshots of her with a short introductory letter stating you are seeking representation for your daughter in your market area. That's it!
At her age, acting classes are pointless and not needed. When she is older, she can take classes, but kids her age either have the ability to "be" without training, or they are too shy to be of any value to the biz. Kids have an innate ability to "pretend" without being self-conscious; that is something we get from other people screwing with our heads as we get older! Headshots come after a while and then lessons to improve as she gets older.
Good luck!
Taylor
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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).
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