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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/I don't know what to chosse
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Question
I'm 16 1/2 going on 17 and I don't know if I should choose acting or singing or do both. What should I do?
Hi Tanisha,
Well, if the two were very dissimilar, I'd say you'd need to pick one.
But there is nothing wrong with learning two skills at once unless you have too little time and money or find that you can't spend enough time on both.
A few years ago, people were really proud of themselves if they could "multi-task" (do 2 or more things at once). It was like a badge of honor...what it really was, turns out, is a way to do two or more things half-assed and nothing perfect.
Only you can decide if you can handle both at once. You will find with either craft, it does take time to get really good, so unless either are slowed down by splitting your time, you might as well go for it.
Of course, you may find the above to be true, and so you need to spend a little time with both to get an idea which one you are built for best.
Good luck!
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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