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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Starting in acting
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Question
Hello my name is Madeline and i live in Aurora, IL. I am 13 right now and I am in love with acting and singing! I have done many plays and have sung in many choirs. I was wondering if you know of any coaches of schools in the Aurora area of in any surrounding areas. I was also wondering if you know of any casting calls. Do you think it would be wise for me to start acting in commercials? I would love your advice on me becoming and actress. I could really use it. Please e-mail me back. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Madeline,
While you have acted in some plays and had experience singing, you should try to do things the right way and not let impatience get the best of you. You didn't mention taking any classes for acting, which is really important to be ready for the next step. Agents look to see what you've done, but they also look to see what you are doing to move forward in your career! Everyone, and I mean millions, want to get on TV and make money and be somebody. Millions and millions. What decides that? Looks sometimes. Talent. Making a good impression at the right time with the right people! How do you do that? By being better than the rest, being able to do something amazing with a script that sets you apart! How? By taking classes! That way, they go "Wow! for 14 she handles herself like someone much older!" Or something like that...
If you are looking for an agent and don't want to be prepared first, they are in the yellow pages under "Talent Agencies". You may have to look at a bigger city if none exist in Aurora.
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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