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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/i really want to be an actress
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Question
Hi my name is Erica and I'm 15 years old I'm going to be 16 in September. I really want to be an actress it is my life long dream and has been since I was like 5. I just wanted to ask if you could tell me what I need to become an actress? And if you could help me PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! I live in IL. Thank you
Hi Erica,
First, I can't give you a "leg up" in the business. People somehow get an idea that it's like a club that a member can get you "in". Even big stars can't do that. They can ask if a son or daughter get a small role, but unless they are producing the movie and the director agrees -no guarantees.
I can tell you how to get started!
Locate local acting classes through the yellow pages or a local theater. You may have to go to the nearest city if you live in a small town. Also, most schools have drama classes, you can sign up for those as well, although the level of experience of your teacher may vary.
When taking classes, you'll start out with beginning, then move to intermediate and then look at improvisation, character development, etc. Auditioning workshops and cold reading classes are very useful too. That's how you start. Once you get a year or so into it, then you can start looking for an agent. Don't start until you have at least a year under your belt!
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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