AboutTaylor 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).
Expert: Taylor Sheppard Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: please help with my acting career!
Question im 20 and i love acting, always have. i studied drama in GCSE and theatre studies in ASLevel, in july i am hopefully attending an academy in london to do a short course in acting for tv, i just need some guidence!im concerned about the industry, how do i go about getting an agent, what things should i avoid and is there anything that can help me financially as il have to leave my current job to be abl to attend the course and be flexible enough to attend auditions. i live in the uk.
Answer Dear Harriet,
You sound like you have dedication and are willing to train and do the work to get where you want to be.
As to work to support yourself, here in America actors work waiting tables, working in call centers and other jobs that while not having high pay, allow flexibility to go to auditions and jobs.
Getting an agent is just a matter of getting a good headshot (or 2 -one serious expression, 1 smiling) and submitting them with a resume of your training/work to them. You want to include a short letter stating you are seeking representation in the market and would welcome a meeting to discuss the possibility. Do not sound desperate, and do not call them! Just include your contact info and wait from there. That is how it is done!
