Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 5/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am 15 years old and am new in the acting and music industry. I have little
experience but am very enthusiastic and a fast learner. I am going to be moving
to New York City very soon and was wondering if you had any suggestions on
where I might be able to take some acting classes or meet some other aspiring
actors?

ANSWER: Hi Ashley.  Well, here's the real deal.  At 15, unless you have a contract to do a show or album or concert, you are not "new to the industry."  Rather, you are newly interested in being an actress and or singer. For a teen to have a career takes the active, full time efforts of their parents who have to sign for everything anyway until you are 18.  You are "going to be moving to NYC very soon". OK. How how soon, and under what circumstances? You will meet other aspiring actors almost everywhere in NYC, but, yes, I can recommend a good studio. It is the Wm Esper Studio. Since you have a couple of years of high school left, let me encourage you to do all of your school's plays and if you are moving to NYC before your Junior year, try to get into one of the performing arts high schools.  Now I also have a book on preparing to be an actor which I can send you as an attachment to an e-mail if you write me at kencosp@aol.com and I also am interested in the answers to the above questions and your reaction to my advice. Best wishes and God bless, Doc

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your advice! I am planning on moving to NYC in early
August of this year. My mom was recently accepted to a graduate program at
Columbia University so her schedule will be relatively flexible. I will also be
homeschooling so i will not have to worry about a school schedule. Do you think
that will make things any easier?

ANSWER: Even if your mom's schedule is 'relatively flexible' it is not going to help you much. A graduate program at Columbtia is going to be more demanding than she (nnd you) think.  Home schooling deprives the aspiring actor of a most important step in their search for a career and that is being in plays.  A performing arts high school is the best thing an youngster your age can do to prepare for a career. No, I think your situation is going to be a big impediment to your career. God bless, Doc

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

QUESTION: OK thank you for letting me know. Just one more question. The William Esper
Studio you recommended seems like an amazing place! From the look of their
website it does not seem like they accept students with very little experience. Do
you now how that works?

Answer
No. Call them and ask. Be advised that classes to not make you talented. You have to be born with talent. That talent is made obvious when you perform in a play. That should be your first objective, and classes your second after you have been in several plays.  You will see how I outline this in my book,   I can only recommend Esper to you, I cannot get you in there, that is something you have to do on your own. God bless, Doc