Expert: Christy Murphy - 7/9/2008

Question
Hi my name is Brittany and I am 12 turning 13. I really want to act! I've been wanting to act since I was about 5. I just never have the time, nor do my parents! They are more busy taking my sisters to gym and me to the doctors!(I get hurt a lot!) I really want to fulfill this dream but I need money and I don't think we have that much, we are kind of poor in a way? I live in San Bernardino and I would have to drive to Los Angeles almost every day, but I think I worked it out. If I get paid for acting I could pay for gas right? I just really need some guidance. I don't know anything about agents or resumes or anything like that. Can my mom be my agent? How do I make a Resume? Will I have to pay to act in some things? Please help me!

Answer
Brittany, it is so great that you're excited about acting. Step one: Learn and practice your craft. Get involved in your local theater and at drama club at your school. Get some experience being a performer. Then,  you'll have something to put on your resume. Young actors who are willing to work hard and hone their craft have a real advantage. There are tons of books available at SamuelFrench.com that you can read about breaking into show business. If this is really your dream and you love acting, you have a real head start. Don't worry about agents or resumes just yet. Concentrate on being an actor. The reason I say this is not to distract you. When you get involved in local theater and drama programs you not only develop your craft, you actually are meeting people who give you valuable advice and help you get an agent and show you their resume and recommend a good photographer for headshots, etc. Beware of people who make too many promises and want to charge you a lot of money. Shop around. Ask a lot of questions, (which you are a natural at ;) and FOLLOW YOUR DREAM. Do some research, talk to teachers at school, ask your friends if they know anyone in the area, go to the local playhouse and volunteer, go to the library and check out plays and scenes to practice, and tell me how great you're doing. Give yourself a little assignment every week to do something to get your further in your acting career and finish it. Write me back after you've gotten involved in your  local theater or drama club, and I will give you more detailed advice as needed.