Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 7/31/2008

Question
Taylor,

I am 15 years old and I want to start acting. I heard that minorities have a harder chance of getting in the industry, I am mexican and I'm afraid that it might hurt my chances in getting started. Also I live in colorado and I'm not quite sure how to get started. And lastly I don't get too nervous in front of people but I've never been in an auditioning room do you have any tips on what to expect and do to make sure I leave an impression? Do you have any tips?

Thank You so Much For Your Help

Answer
Hi Nadia,

You heard incorrectly about minorities, especially Hispanics. Nowdays, the fastest growing group is Hispanic in the U.S. Don't worry about anything like that, just concern being an actor, if that's what you want to do. Sometimes you just can't listen to the noise in your head or you will talk yourself out of trying!

I recommend acting classes to everyone, of course, most people don't want to go to the trouble because they think they know better and are "naturally talented". Too bad, because some of them might have been successful, but you can't guess correctly on everything. Knowing what to do, how to do it and when to do it is crucial. For instance, you mentioned auditioning. Auditioning is a type of acting, but not exactly like regular acting. There is cold reading classes and auditioning classes as well as improv classes to work on those skills. I used to hate auditions, but the way I got over that is to go to every one I could go to. I recommend that to every actor, even those who love auditions. Why? Because you get used to the "test anxiety" that goes with them and you GET BETTER! You need to be able to make quick, interesting decisions when you go to auditions to do your best. Sometimes, you get the script at the audition or the day before. That leaves little time to do character analysis at 11:00 PM at night. I usually just ask myself: "What does my character want in this scene?" That's just one trick, you need more!

There are also workshops you can attend with casting directors who will tell you things that they won't say to you at auditions. The information can keep you from doing things that annoy them. For instance, in one published book the authors advise you to send Christmas cookies to casting directors. More than one director has advised THEY HATE THAT! They don't want or need to feel obligated to show any special consideration to talent..and they don't need the calories! (they're words).

I also learned through hundreds of auditions to just relax, enjoy the moment and not care. Caring only about the moment and not if I get it or the rewards it may bring, but just the acting in that moment and trying to wrap myself in the scene.
I hope that helps you get an understanding of auditions and why you need to train. Even stars train with coaches. Whenever I have a big audition, I hire someone to work it out with me because it's worth it to be prepared.

Best, Taylor