Expert: Phil Nemy - 4/23/2009

Question
hi my name is Derrick Torres i am 15 years old and next year i am trying to get on Disney, and i have went to hell and back to get my body and everything right for next year but i want to start my dream of becoming an actor on Disney channel, maybe have my own show. i have a few questions.

1.) I live in San Angelo, Texas and i want to be on Disney so am i able to live here but get and agency and agent in California?

2.) The only experience i will have of acting is from school theater, plays, all that, but mostly because i do not have enough money for other acting things is that enough for my resume?

3.)what agencies are the best that can try to get me Disney channel auditions?

4.)I thought my parents only have to pay for plane ticket, hotel, food, pictures, and rental car, what all will my parents be paying for?

5.)what other tips do you have for me?

I already almost have all my school credits done, i make very good grades in school, im fit, i have voice training practice, my parents are ready to support me through the whole thing but they kinda have a limit on what to spend, i just need answers and tips to help me. so please please answer my questions thank you.

sincerely, Derrick Torres

Answer
Derrick,

Thanks for writing. Here are your answers:

1) No. If you want to be taken seriously as an actor, you need to be living in Los Angeles so that you are available at a moment's notice to go on auditions in the LA area.

2) You've got to start somewhere, right? No one will expect that at 15 you will have a resume a mile long with professional credits. Don't sweat it.

3) Any agent that agrees with you about the "type" you are and is willing to hustle to help get you work is the agent for you!

4) I don't understand your question. What do you mean your parents have to pay for?

5) I'm not sure how far Dallas or Austin are from San Angelo, but my advice would be if you can afford it, get into some good acting classes now while you're young to help develop your talent. That way when you DO get a great audition, you'll be ready for it.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil