Expert: Laura Interval - 1/16/2009

Question
Hi my name is Mollie, I'm a freshman in college in Ohio and I was wondering if you could help advise me on how to find an acting agency and how I could get my career started.

It's all I've wanted to do since I can remember. I had an agency when I was younger but have since lost touch with them. I'll be nineteen years old in a week and I have no idea what I'm doing with my life.

I really need to get my career started it's what I was born to do.

I don't really know how to get any contacts or anything and an agency as well.

I would appreciate your input and advice. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Mollie
Good that you came here to ask! It's great that you have such passion for acting... it will take you far.  However, it's going to be tough to get an agent from Ohio.  My advice for you would be to study acting as much as you can right now, along side getting your degree.  Are you involved in the drama department?  Local theater?  Are you taking voice and dance?  The more experience you can get right now, the better you will be prepared when you are ready to get an agent.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't sound like you have a lot of current experience... which you need to begin to acquire!  You will eventually need to get to LA or NY (or Chicago) to really pursue a career.  But, it's best to have a resume before you take that shot.  Get as much performance experience NOW as you can... then, in three more years, you'll be ready for the bigger markets.  Check out the biggest city closest to you and see if there are any "talent agents"... it may be a good place to start.  Don't get in a hurry!  Just get out there and perform... become a big fish in your small pond first.
I wish you all the best!
Laura Interval