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About 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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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Performing Arts > Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing > A future in acting.
Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 10/26/2009
Question
QUESTION: Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
I am a Sophomore in High School, and i plan on going to college for drama, and science (in case a career in acting does not fully work out)I have done stage acting since i was about 8 and i know i would eventually like to be a Television/film actor. I live about 20 minutes away from New York City and i was wondering if i should look into auditioning for commercials now, or just wait till get more formal training? I know that i wont magically become a "star" overnight and i think a auditioning for a few smaller on screen acting roles would be a good start. What do you think would be the best thing for me to do now and how should i approach it?
ANSWER: Hi Alex,
I think you have it right! Always keep training!
You have enough credentials to start out now. John Goodman started in New York and did Levis commercials when he was smaller (literally and figuritively)it's an excellent way to break in!)
Thank God you have a grasp on reality and don't think that you interview to become an executive the first day out of high school! Lol!
Best,
Taylor
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for answering my first question =)
As a follow up, how do you think i should go about finding an agent and is having an agent necessary for commercial work? If so what should i expect for interviews with agents?
Thanks Again!
Alex
Answer
Hi Alex,
Yes! You need an agent for everything -unless it's extra work, and even then, that can be hard to find w/out one.
You submit a professional headshot and resume of your training and work experience along with a VERY brief cover letter, stating you are currently seeking representation for commercial, film and television work (and plays if applicable), and you would like to meet to see if representation would be mutually agreeable. Be short, concise, respectful, but don't beg. Don't sell, just let the pic and resume speak for themselves. If you don't get a reply, DON'T CALL THEM. They will write or phone you or email (provide all 3 contacts) if interested.
Casting directors work with agencies to locate bona-fide talent that knows what they are doing and are professional. They don't have time for an American Idol cattle call of the talentless and delusional! Lol!
Best,
Taylor
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