Expert: Rusty Meyers - 7/8/2008

Question
I live in the San Francisco bay area.  It is my dream to become a working actor in film, television, stage.  I am 15 years old and I want to know how I can get an agent.  Do you know anyone in my area.  My mom is on a very tight budget, so she can never really afford to send me to an acting school.  We can't afford professional photos either.  I am studying drama in my high school right now, and I have been in many school and community theater plays.  Can you please steer me in the right direction?

Answer
Stay in school and don't bother with it until your out of school.
Do EVERYTHING including every play, musical, forensics, band, choir, gymnastics, language classes you can handle.

There is most likely a local film commission hotline number there in SF.

Contact some local acting coaches.

Look EVERYONE up on imdb.com and don't believe in personal websites.

Slow down, you're young Hollywood will still be there.

Never pay upfront fees for ANYTHING.

Agents and managers ONLY make money AFTER you do PERIOD.