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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/how to start?
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Question
hi, i just wanted to know what you consider is the best place for starting my acting carrier, i'am in 9th grade right know %26 i was planning to move to LA but my dad said he wouldn't let me go there until i was 18, so i proposed him new York %26 he said only if you go with someone, so i thought of this friend, she leaves in Colorado but its still too far from NY so what you consider is the best option to start? i really love acting so i am just looking for an opportunity, tanks.
Hi Adriana,
Well, the first thing to do is to take acting lessons. Los Angeles can be a tough place if you are just starting out. So is New York. Of course, without your father's permission, you will probably have to wait until you are 18 to get out there. You could try closer to home. I am not sure where they film the shows for Spanish Language television in your country, but I am guessing Mexico City.
I wish I could be more help, but parents have the last word when you are not yet an adult.
Check around to find acting teachers and start there!
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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