Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 3/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi, I'm in my mid twenties and Irish. I've always had a keen curiosity for acting
but went down a very different path in life study and work wise.  I now want
to pursue my dream of acting as its what my heart desires and I feel I may be
good at it. But I just dont have a clue where to start. I am willing to move to
L.A or NY (NY ideally). I dont know if ill be any good at it but its something I
must try. What's ur advice on where to start, like what type of classes should I
take and for what length of time to gain some formal training and see what
side of acting I might be good at...can u recommend specific
schools/classes...sorry if its a bit too vague/general...I really want to do this
asap as ive put it off for long enough but I just really need direction!!! Thanks
in advance, really appreciate it :)

ANSWER: Hi Mel,

Glad to hear you are up for working at it. I can't tell you how often I have people say they want to do it, butthey really don't want to train, and could I just give them access to an agent!

Of course, it doesn't work that way anymore than you just sign up to be an executive with no schooling.

Start with beginning acting, intermediate, film, character analysis, cold reading, improvisation and so on. That would give you a good foundation, with each teaching you something necessary.

You could be looking at a year, or more, maybe if luck and talent is with you, less. Some people "get it" faster than others. It took me 20 years to really understand, myself. Part was extreme self-consciousness and part was learning not to care. I was my worst enemy!
Along with that, I thought you had to "perform" which might work on stage, but not on film. On film you are trying to be as natural as real life. You have to resist the urge to "do something" -or do something amazing. You learn the lines and develop the ability to pretend like you did as a child, submersing yourself in the character's life and world. If you get really good at it, it can be almost like a mental problem where you find it hard to go home at the day's end and leave him behind. I have seen many great actors in a mood all day. They stay in character until they go home.

I recommend you go to school in Ireland if you can, then travel to America.

Once again, I applaud your eagerness, but sense to learn. You may even find it isn't what you thought and decide against it. It's a gamble, but if you love it, it doesn't matter how big you become, because you enjoy just doing it. One caution: if you are thinking money and fame, I would not suggest it. It's not easy street. Even moderately successful actors have to budget and worry about the next paycheck. Fame is fickle and cruel sometimes, it is not what most people think.

Best,

Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: wow thank u for a very helpful yet honest answer...i definitely am willing to
work for it...and moving to america wud b because there's more choice than
here...here ther's like maybe 3 'good' acting schools and by good i dont know
what they mean..im not doin it for fame or money as i can only imagine the
nautre of the work...aftr all its nt a regualr 9-5 job...i honestly dont know if ill
be good at it but its somethin i need to try otherwise ill regret it and im
aperfectionist so anythin i try ill put a 110%...as for self consciousness and all
tht, thatll be my downfall i just know it...any tips for gettin over that or is it
jus practice and as u said bein able to immerse yourself fully...like is there
anything i can be reading/practicing/studying/investigating that will help
me??

Many thanks again :)

Answer
Hi Mel,

Good to know your intentions are not the "Star" thing.

As to reading, it will help if you read everything you can get your hands on. But classes are still a must. Read Meisner, Stanislovsky, and all the other techniques. Get a feel for them all and what works for you.

Many people have said to me that they wish they had the balls to have tried, but were afraid to do without. I knew I had to find out too. It has been HARD and I still struggle, but I have a lot of experiences others don't have.

I really can't say how I got it under control with the fright, I guess I got used to it. I also developed little rituals to deal. Speaking to myself about that I was nervous and that it was ok and that people weren't out to get me. If you get accustomed to the places you go by going early and getting a feel for them (a set, a casting office, a stage, etc.) you can watch everything and calm down. I guess you have to develop an attitude of caring, yet, (pardon) Not giving a fuck about it. Don't say to yourself: "If I get this, I will get more jobs and more, but I have to get this one right or I'll never get there...yada yada..." Too much pressure! Every time I thought I got the part, I didn't. Often when I thought I SUCKED, they called. Never understood it. So, I go to the audition and just enjoy getting up there and playing. Yes, PLAYING. And I don't care if I get it or not. If I do, I do. I don't...I don't. Casting directors hate to see someone grim, and love someone who relaxes and smiles when they enter the room. Not a cheap, fake smile, but a "I'm glad I'm here at this moment smile. Acting is trusting yourself to do well. They may ask you to "Do it again" just to see if you can pull out something different the next try. Doesn't mean you sucked the first take, just that they want someone who isn't stuck with one move.

All of this is stuff you will learn by doing. One last thought: There is an anecdote about a director working with an actor. He kept asking the actor to "Do a it little smaller"...meaning more subdued, less animation. Time after time, he asked "smaller" and "smaller". finally, as he lost it, frustrated, the actor shouted: "If I do it any smaller, I won't be doing ANYTHING!" The director said: "Yes!"

On stage you have to make big gestures and movements, on camera, the camera SEES every LITTLE thing, hears every nuance in your voice. You don't have to speak up or strain to be understood. Just behaving as you would in life is enough. My late acting coach had me imagine running my finger down the world's sharpest knife blade. When I did, he said: "There! The thought is ENOUGH!" Some of the best acting is almost a blank face. A beginner will twist their face up to convey emotion.


Best to you,

Taylor