Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 9/15/2008

Question
Hi, My name is Melissa Nguyen and I'd really love to get into an acting school. I'm thirteen and in love with acting. I'm trying to get an agent but I'm not sure how. I have acting experience from many school productions and an "A" average in drama class. I've been acting since I was three. I played "family" and "house" with myself playing different characters. Now, I play them with my sister, yet still, playing a variety of different characters. I really enjoy acting and treat it with the utmost respect.

I live in Ottawa, Ontario and I'd like to get into the acting business and if I'm good enough get to Hollywood. Do you have any suggestions of how to achieve my goal? What are the acting requirements? How do agents "pick" their clients?

Best Regards,

Melissa Nguyen, Ottawa, Ontario.

Answer
Hi Melissa, it takes years to become an actor, the important thing is to be patient, work hard and not get in a hurry. Be in all the plays you can, act act act act. That is most important, and keep a record of every play, role and place produced of all you do. When you have been in enough plays to show you have ability, in a few years, take professional acting classes. make a resume and submit to agents when that resume is strong enough.  Agents evaluate your look and your talent to see if they think they can make money by represent you. Best wishes and God bless, Doc