Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 4/26/2009

Question
I am very interested in starting a career in acting. I have been in theatrical plays, and need help. How do I get an agent, when I have financial problems at the time? How do I get into acting and what do I need to do to get started? Thanks

Answer
Hi Kristal.. Yours is a very common situation that many people ask me about. The first thing an aspiring actor has to do is provide for living expenses with a "day job."  Becoming an actor is going into business and it takes considerable investment, so besides earning living expenses, you also have to pay for books, classes, promotional tools (photos, business cards, post cards).  While you are stabilizing your financial situation, you can continue to build your resume with roles in amateur theatre such as community theatre. When you are ready to go into the business of acting, you get all your tools together, sign up for a professional class, and put all the effort you can into becoming known as an actress.  When your resume is really a testament to your talent, you can begin to seek an agent, but it is networking that is most important. If you write to me at kencosp@aol.com and tell me your background as an actress in detail I can give you more information. Best wishes and God bless, Doc