Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 3/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi my name is megan, let me just start my question with saying that i LOVE acting. but i'm having some hard times getting out there and noticed. money is a big issue for my family, so i cant fly out to Hollywood or even get an agent right now so my mom is thinking about being my agent or manager. i have been in a few school plays and i went to a place for John Casablanca and they said i had great talent but when they asked for 3,000 dollars up front my mother and i got really concerned. i'm not looking to go to an acting school, I've taken some classes in the issaquah theater. i need help getting out there and was wondering what i should do? i know its a long question but i'm just so passionate about it. i sit and look at all these people doing what i have dreamed of doing ever since i was little and i want to get out there and live my dream, but need help. please can you help me?

ANSWER: Hi Megan,

Just the fact that you looked at John Casablanca tells me your mom has no business being your agent. I'm sure your mom is a capable woman, but you didn't say she has managed anyone or even been in the industry. An agent has casting people who call her because she is known and a professional. Without an agent, you will not know when casting is being held or for that matter, will you be invited. You see, the casting people deal with talent who they can stake their reputation and career on. They won't with someone unknown that they have no idea if they can act, doesn't want to "bother" with learning to act, and just thinks you sign up to be a star.
The good news is you don't need to spend $3,000 on an outfit that preys on people's hopes and dreams and delivers a token "gig" to meet their promise. You do need to take some classes and get contacts with actors to know about agents and get really good...if acting is your dream. It will cost to do that and get headshots.

Once you do all that you will be ready to get started. You do not need to go to Hollywood, just start in a big city. Hollywood is the big leagues, and you have to be ready first!

Good luck!

Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: well you said i needed to get contacts with actors? how would i do that.

Answer
Hi Megan,

By MEETING them! When you take classes with other actors, you get to know them, share stories and information and develop alliances.
It's called networking.

I got several independent movie auditions and student films through my one teacher. That got me places. You also get info on who is a good agent and who isn't, and other very useful stuff.

I wouldn't be where I am if not for that!

Best,

Taylor