Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 6/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello. My girlfriend wishes, determindly, to become an actress. She has always felt and known that she can do it, and do it well. We currently live in Colorado, and we just don't know how to go about moving out to California, finding jobs, and the like. She knows she needs a night job to go on auditions during the day. I'm willing to support her as much as possible. We don't really have much money to move out there, and live off of until at least one of us finds a job. What's the best thing to do? We really just need some guidance on these initial steps of moving out there and being able to survive, pay rent, have gas money, and money for food. I thank you for your time and effort. I really appreciate any help and guidance you can share with me. We both do. Thank you again.
Spencer

ANSWER: Hi Spencer.  Time was you could get established as a film actor in Colorado. I don't know what the situation is these days, but I hear it is much slower than when I was acting. Dallas might be an option.  I do not recommend trying to become established as an actor in LA. It is so crowed with actors and it is almost impossible to get an agent.  And it costs $5000 a month to live there. If Denver is not active in the film making world any longer, then I would recommend Dallas. The most important thing is to have a solid finacial base when you move, a place to live lined up and if possible, jobs as well.  But if she can wait tables or bartend she can always get a job. A reliable car is a must. I would like to see her resume so that I can evaluate how close she might be to applying for representation by a talent agent.  Write me at kencosp@aol.com and we will continue to plan for her career.  Doc

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

QUESTION: I forget if I responded to your answer. But thank you so much for your advice, we really appreciate it. Jocelyn, my girlfriend, doesn't have that much experiance. She's done acting classes for about a year. She's done a student film, and is doing a short indie film this weekend(june 7-8). I'm curious about why you recomend Dallas? What's the scene like out there? Another expert, recommended that she become a big fish in a small pond here in Denver. To audition for everything, keep training and taking classes. Talk to everyone about and the sort. Which I suppose she should do regardless if she's in Dallas or Denver. But what I want, is for her to take this advice, and search within herself for the answers for what to do. What's best for her path, you know? Thank you so much for your guidance and advice. This is really helping us figure it all out. Anything more you can guide us with would be more then appreciated. Thank you again Doc!
Spencer

Answer
Hey Spencer, thanks for the answer.  Experience acting in amateur plays, indies, student plays , extra work all is very very important. Dallas is a big center of theatre and film activity. I would also recommend Denver if there were opportunities to be in major films and tv series as there were when I acted there.  I agree with the advice the other expert gave you.  Contact a talent agent in Denver who is SAG franchised as ask them about film making out of Denver.  Also check the Colorado Film Commission web site. If you would like I would be willing to coach her in audition technique with monologues and with scripts.. I am in Colorado Springs and we could arrange private tutoring at your convenience.  Write me at my email address kencosp@aol.com Thanks, Doc