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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/how old--?
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Question
Hi, my name is John, and I am an aspiring actor. I just wanted to know--how young is too young, how old is too old, to get your Equity card? What should I do as a fall out plan if my acting career doesn't ever take off? Thanks!!
-John
Hi John,
There are infants in film and commercials. There are people in the 80's or older who act. There isn't any "limit", but there are age ranges that get more opportunities.
Getting your equity card can be found by googling "Actors Equity" and reading their website. That is, if you are looking to be a stage actor. SAG (Screen Actors Guild) is for film and TV. There is also AFTRA (American Federation of Radio and TV Artists). Do your research on those the same way.
Always have a backup plan. There are other jobs in the industry to do beyond just acting. As to outside of the industry, it is all on you!
I can't say what you should do -I don't know you- but choose something that meets your financial needs, is able to give you time off to try to act when you can and it would be great if the job was "recession proof" meaning that it won't leave you without money is people can only afford the bare necessities for a while.
Best,
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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