Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 5/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Taylor,
I previously asked similar question to another expert but would like to seek advice from you as well. To make sure you understand my entire situation, I'll give you all possible details (sorry if this letter comes out longer than expected).

My name is Sogdiana, a 23-year old female with good persian look. I used to perform on stage with a professional pop band in my home country (Uzbekistan), but ended up getting myself into "civil" education, studying in the US, working in Vienna, etc. So far, I enjoyed this experience and now am enrolling at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston to get my MA degree in two years. This is going to be a good start for me as a diplomat or any other white-collar highly-skilled employee working in the sphere of international affairs. HOWEVER, in September 2007 I had a wonderful experience of working as an interpreter at the Fourth International Eurasia Film Festival where I met some independent filmmakers from the US and South-East Asia. To be honest, I realized that acting for film is what I'd want to do to find my soul, because the more I go further in my general career, the less satisfied I feel emotionally. That causes a lot of depression and emotional crisis I can't stand any longer. So, I have to start doing something about it as soon as I am done with grad school.

Therefore, the question is whether I, a national of Kazakhstan and holder of a non-immigrant status while in the US, will have any opportunity to start an acting career? I was told by another expert that it is an issue of foreign accent and the availability of roles in American films written as foreign characters. I doubt I should be really worried about that because I speak native-quality English and get always treated as an American by other English-speaking people.

My other question would be the schools (preferrably private since I don't need a degree) that are good to take acting classes. I know that NYC is the better place for me, and I plan on seriosly condiresing Lee Strasberg/Stella Adler/Actor's Studio. Do you think those are worth attending? Or perhaps you could elaborate on something in Boston, like Boston University?

Finally, I'd appreciate if you could recommend the basic strategy outline for the start off: what to do, where to go, whom to contact, how to network, etc, and maybe even the movies to watch to see really good acting?

Thank you for your time, Taylor.

Best regards,
Sogdiana

ANSWER: Hi Sogdiana,

I must say after reading your story, I can't imagine that you couldn't do whatever it is you put your mind to doing!

I often grow a little weary of listening to spoiled American kids who think they should be a "star" just ...because. Do they want to take charge of their life and career by doing something about it? No. They want to do the "easy" stuff like getting a picture taken and going for an agent. I know I sound like a broken record here, but it really is the schooling -taking the classes- doing the work to become good.

While a good school is important, as sometimes it takes that right teacher to unlock the mystery of acting and how to make it work in a student, the thing is, if the student is really good, they teach themself! I don't mean that you don't need a coach, but actors who really "get" it are equally responsible for their success. It doesn't sound to me that you have any fear, which is good. You can't have fear of letting yourself go and having your emotions overcome you. You can't be embarrassed to "be" whatever you are in a scene.

Stella Adler would be great, but I think you will excel wherever you decide to take classes. The big name schools are great to get attention on your resume, but you can take talent and drive and start small and it can happen just as easily as a no talent that could luck into the most renowned school and they would go nowhere.

I really believe that parts find actors and that is more true today than ever. Many people will look for reasons they can't be an actor. I have an accent or I'm too fat or I look funny, I'm handicapped...etc. EVERY ONE OF THOSE HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES! Deaf actresses, mentally retarded, downright weird-looking people, really fat people, thick accents (Arnold Schwartzenegger anyone?) all haven't let themselves be stopped!

My advice? Go for It! Don't worry about anything, you'll be fine!

Best, Taylor

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

QUESTION: Dear Taylor,

thank you for reply! I agree that being good in any human activity, we have to work and constantly improve. Those chasing a free ride or easy life are likely to fail.

Ironically, people around always tend to console me by saying that what I do now is much more important and INTELLIGENT than my true aspirations which, in their opinion, give little promise. It is sad I don't have any moral support. Unfortunately, not all people understand or are able to understand, or even try to understand others, especially nowadays when it comes to a career in the sphere of entertainment/performing arts.

Glad you felt what I had to say, and also glad you were encouraging. I guess I will apply to those three schools in NYC I mentioned in my first message after I am done with my MA studies, and will start to work things out.

Thank you for being supportive and honest. I'll keep you updated on my progress, if you're still going to be accessible through this website in two years. I am arriving to the US this August, and that's going to be a good chance to start looking around.

All the best to you, Taylor.
Sogdiana

Answer
Hi Sogdiana,

I try to be honest here and say what needs to be said.
Please keep me updated, I would like that.

You will find that acting has a lot of contradictions. You have to be able to really touch your own emotions, yet you must be thick skinned for all the rejection. You will have all the support when you succeed, but none when you really need it. It has been a lonely road for me many times! Everyone wants to know you when you are on top, and wants to give you free stuff, but not when you really need the help!

I really hope you'll keep me informed.

All the best to YOU!

Taylor