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Question
Hi Taylor,
I live in Dallas, Texas and went to a little acting school in L.A. about 15 years ago. However, I never pursued acting as I moved to Texas and went another path. I'd like to start doing something now , but have no idea where to start. Do I get headshots first, an agent.....not a clue where to begin. Could you please direct me on what my first steps would be and anybody in my area you may know for headshots or agents for beginners? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mynda
Hi Mynda,
I would quickly get back in to acting classes to shake off the rust and start working on your craft. Once you have a class or several down, you should be ready to start looking for an agent. Only you and your instructor can determine your readiness. Some people pick back up right from where they were, some take a while.
You may want to speak with the KD Studios (Kim Dawson Agency) on classes or headshot photographers they know. They would likely be a source for info on them and meeting people to network.
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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