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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Future Actress?
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Question
Dear Taylor,
I strongly want to be an actress, but is it possible? I've known I wanted to act ever since I was six, and I'm eleven right now, turning 12 in October. Is it possible? I want to be the next kid actress like Dakota Fanning and Miranda Cosgrove. I have imagination as pure as gold, and love to write, and have fun. I don't let embarrassment shove me away from my one and only dream. I don't want this for fame and fortune, trophies, and nominations. I want it for me and my dream! I just want to be an actress, more than anyone thinks or wants it. I'm not giving up. Not yet I'm not. And I'm a brunette (dark hair) and dark eyes. I believe that you an audience can't embarrass you, you just get scared by yourself, so I wouldn't freak out on the stage or anything. I have a strong mind and heart, and really want this. If you have any advice for me, that'd be great. Well, thanks a lot Taylor.
From Jen =D
Hi Jen,
Well you have the very most important part of it all -the unflinching desire to be an actor. There are other things that add to it, but without the yearning for the sake of the art, it's almost a certainty you'd not make it.
So many letters I get are from people who want the trappings, the rewards of success, but they want it RIGHT NOW! It's called "instant gratification". What actually happens is that when people can't get it immediately, the give up without trying and keep looking for something easy.
You have a very good grasp on stage fright. It IS about your own thoughts getting the best of you. You CAN talk yourself out of it.
You sound very mature for your age!
As to the acting, you need to just start taking classes to get going. Beginning acting is the first, then intermediate, then acting for the camera, character development, improvisation and cold reading. There are other classes and you would benefit by trying different teachers to get used to their different styles.
That would be your start. As you advance, there is more, but that's another day and time.
Best to you,
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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