Expert: Phil Nemy - 7/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello!

I live in Northeast Philadelphia and is very VERY interested in starting an acting career. Yes, I know, this is extremley repetitive. I have been in school productions but I have been looking for different community theatres that I could do plays, but the problem is, they all cost money! I've searched for community theatres that I can possibly join but I couldn't find any. So, I went to the next best thing: Drama instructors. Again, they all cost money. Then, I said "Oh, well let me try and go straight to an agency". I don't really have that much experience other than school. What should I do now? Should I pay for the community theatre prices? Should I try and just go for an agency with my resume the way it is?

I hope to hear from you soon.

Whitney

ANSWER: Whitney,

Thanks for writing. I'm not sure why a community theater would charge you to perform in their productions. Community Theater is supposed to be a free, labor of love, not something that costs you to participate. Something doesn't sound right.

The reality, however, is that you need training. To become a serious, working actor, you need to develop your talent, learn various acting, voice, and movement techniques. In order to do this, you need to work with acting teachers, and yes, they charge for their services. But without training, you don't have much of a chance of being a working actor. Without a legitimate resume, no agent is going to respond to you. Unless, of course, you're drop-dead gorgeous! Then most agents will respond to you.

Sorry to be the provider of bad news, but I encourage you to obtain proper training and then follow your dream!

Good luck!

Phil

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

QUESTION: Hello again!

Thank you! That does make a lot of sense, but the only thing is where do I find acting teachers in Philadelphia? I have found some acting classes such as John Casablanca, John Roberts Powers, Barbizon and Stephen Stahl, but people have told me different things about them. Some have said that they are very good and others say that they are fakes. How can I tell if they are good or not or if I am really REALLY risking anything?

Whitney

Answer
Whitney,

Stay away from modeling schools that say they offer acting classes. Most aren't worth the money you pay.

Try contacting the Philadelphia Film Commission and see if they can recommend any legit acting teachers. Or contact some of the legitimate theaters in Philly, like the Walnut Street Theater, and see if they can recommend any classes.

Hope this helps.

Phil