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Question
Hi Taylor.
I've been looking online for sometime now and haven't been able to find auditions for Disney Channel. I've read that Disney is a great way to get your foot in the door and start your acting career. On this website, it says getting auditions for Disney can basically only be done with an agent. Is there any other way?
Hi Gwen,
Yes, what you read is correct. You do need an agent to get to Disney.
To get an agent, you need to have taken some classes. You would also need to do a few acting jobs, commercials or something, to have a resume for Disney to look at. Their are too many kids who HAVE resumes that are trying to get on the shows. Why would they pick someone who hasn't done anything yet? Showbiz moms start their kids out very early. Brittany Spears was on Disney, but she was taking dance and singing classes long before then.
My advice: take classes for acting, singing and dancing. It may not be quick and easy, it may take some time, but it won't be too late if you get started NOW!
You must also realize that it is a long shot, but the training may be useful to your career and life later on for things you don't know about yet.
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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