Expert: Laura Interval - 8/9/2008

Question
hey,im katie and im 15, i live in plant city fl,
and i was woundering how to get an agent,i have been in a acting/singing/modeling, thing that i herd about on the radio but when we got there my mom paid alot of money and i did some additions but after that they wanted more money so i couldnt stay in it anymore, i've always wanted to be an actress/singer/model, but its hard to find somewhere that is not bad and i need some advice pleasee :)
thanks!

Answer
Hi Katie
You're in a tough situation right now.  I don't know where Plant City FL is.  What is the closest big city?  Are you near Miami by any chance?  Unfortunately, you will need to be able to get to a big city/market to make it worth your while.  There are no paying jobs in a small town for models... and until you can travel on your own, you won't be able to be where you need to be.  So, my advice to you...
STUDY, study, study... practice, practice, practice!  Get into your local theater company, drama club, acting classes... whatever you can to learn as much as you can about being an actress.  Take dance classes, voice lessons, read plays, watch movies... anything you can do.  That way by the time you can move on, you'll be prepared and experienced.
If you can get to a big city, Miami or Orlando for example, call the "talent agents" listed in the phone book and see what they are looking for in talent your age.  You should be able to get an idea of how to get a meeting with them.
Never pay money upfront.  No legitimate agent will charge you for an audition/meeting or chance for representation.  Paying to be on a website does not get you work.  It only gets your photo on a website that no one looks at.  You're better off on "my space" for that matter.
Don't get discouraged!  Become a big fish in your small pond... and get ready for the bigger markets.
Hope this helps!
Feel free to contact me again if you have anymore specific questions.
You can also find more of my info on modeling on my website:
www.creative-personal-development.com/express-yourself.html

All the best,
Laura Interval