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Hi , I took part-time acting classes for a year and I'm just finishing a year program at an acting school. I have also done a summer program in RADA , London . My question is whether or not that training is enough or are casting directors looking for people with acting degrees. I have a degree in Media/English and can't afford to go back to school full time.
Hi Mary,
I can't definitively speak for casting directors in England, but here I know that you've got enough beginning education credits to start looking for representation. I don't think a diploma would be necessary to get work if you have talent. The best way to find this out is to get your headshots and resume together and start submitting yourself to gauge the response. The worst that could happen is that you would be turned down until later...the big "NO"".
The thing about acting is that you need to be able to take rejection and not let it knock you out. Occasionally down, but not out. In life you must constantly "re-invent" yourself through different stages. While you must have the emotional sensitivity to be able to "be" the character and her emotions she is in, you have to separate that from the business end of things. Just because you may get turned down for a role doesn't mean you were bad, just not "right" for the part in the casting/director's eyes. I was told two nights ago by a casting person that you should also not let the speed of your audition make you think you have won or lost the part. Sometimes they see what they need in an instant, sometimes they keep trying you out to see if they missed some quality that you could bring if just given a second chance!
This person also remarked (Vindication for my exhortations here about training!) that they: LOOK TO SEE IF YOU ARE KEEPING UP WITH YOUR TRAINING? -"HAVE YOU ATTENDED CLASSES LATELY?" She said "Even Al Pacino keeps training with a teacher! -and he is a stellar Hollywood actor. She said that bit on the resume carries as much weight to her as what you have done in past roles!
Best to you,
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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