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Question
I have taken acting classes at several well-known schools in nyc. I've done
some
community theatre work and independent film work. On a number of
occasions I
have been up for a lead but at the end the other actor got the part. One
company
called me after the audition to say they loved my work but I did no have the
right
look for the part. Shortly after, I took a leave from auditioning and acting
class
due to financial reasons. Now I am middle aged but look a lot younger. I
want to
get back into it. Am I being unrealistic and where do I start?
Hi Diane,
Go back to classes to get up to speed. You really can never finish training. It just makes you better and sharper.
Unrealistic? What is? If you want to do this, do it! You would not be writing if you didn't want to.
You can't pay attention to the little things ore you just wrap your head in worry and freeze in place. Nothing in life is certain but death. How long will you be dead? How much will you regret not trying again?
If you have no one depending on you (children) that you'd be neglecting, no reason not to. Leave no regrets.
Get back to classes and work up from 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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