You are here:
Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/hi i'm alexandra
Advertisement
Question
my name's Alex and i have been an aspiring actress for as long as i can remember. unfortunately I'm not in the right money situation really to do it. i don't have much support and I'm only 14 so it's hard to do this on my own. I've asked around and you're probably going to tell me to wait till I'm 18 then move to Los Angeles. that's my problem. I'm willing to be patient. but this is a dream i really want to get going as a teenager. i heard about a photography business called frickphotography and it seems pretty legitimate. the guy's name is terry and he works with the better business bureau and i was wondering if you were familiar with it. if so please tell me whether or not that is worth it. and if not please if you could take the time to ask around and see if anyone you know knows about it and thinks it is worth my time. and also if you have any references in getting me started. please, e-mail me back, anything will help.
Hi Alex,
The photographer looks legit for headshots. You will need those, but he's not an agent.
As you are limited financially, your best move is to use what money you have to take classes to get really good and then see about getting an agent where you are (the nearest big city). I know you're impatient, but you need that in this business. If you were going to LA they wouldn't take you seriously without some experience first and it's hard to get an agent or do anything without a SAG card.
Get the work under your belt and do it right. OK?
Best, Taylor
Related Articles
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).
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.