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hi i am Courtney and i always love to act and be in dramas i am also in a theatre class is there any advice that you can give me on trying to get an audition
Hi Courtesy,
You didn't mention your age, but you can sometimes find notices on college campuses for student filmakers needing actors. That is one way to start. Depending on your city, there may be the occassional movie that comes by and needs extras -background people to fill in for street scenes and such. Beyond that, the only legitimate auditions come from agents. You would need to put together a resume of acting and classes and have a professional headshot taken to send off by mail to them (find them in the yellow pages under "Talent Agencies") asking in a short note for an appointment to discuss representation. You will need to have a parent to help you in this if you are under 18 and would have to have transportation to go to auditions and jobs.
If the "agent" asks for any money upfront, do not stay. Agents only make money when you do. They take a small fee from the check you get for acting after the job is completed. There are many scammers out there who will tell you they will get you jobs...AFTER you pay for classes and photos with their photographer. Do not bother with them. They can't get you real jobs.
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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