Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 6/9/2009

Question
Hi Taylor,
I am a 32 year old Indian woman and work professional as an Engineer. I finally know that I want to change career paths and get into acting. I am interested in TV and Film acting. Theater never for my interest going.

1. I would like to get comprehensive training in all acting techniques before I pursue a professional career. Where should I be in terms of locations in the US to get both trained and to get noticed? I have read several threads that talk about good drama schools all around the country. But are there less chances of getting a break, say if I get trained in a good school in Boston instead of going to a decent school in LA for being casted on TV and Films?

2. Also should I do a Bachelors or a Masters program? I need to hold an engineering job for the next few years and can go to school only in the evening. So, what schools would you recommend for a working person? I am interested in hands-on training in acting rather than theoretical classes. What kinds of schools should I be searching for?

3. I live in the SF Bay Area. Does Bay Area have any reputable acting schools that are respected in the industry circles in LA?

Thanks a million for answering my questions. Sorry, I had so many of them. I just need help starting and would like to make the most informed decisions that I can.  

Answer
Hi Priya,

I imagine there are good schools in SF although I am personally unfamiliar with the area. LA would be a better place to get noticed than Boston, but you will have to be tenacious, because there is lots of competition and when you run into an obstacle, you will have to not give up. You will find that you will have down-grade your lifestyle if you are used to luxuries, because until you get very far, the money isn't going to be great. Perhaps you could find an engineering job that allows you flexibility to take time off when you have an audition or work. Many of the lead roles are cast in LA and then they fill in actors locally when they shoot elsewhere.

As far as classes, you just want to find classes, not necessarily a school, like a college. You can sign up for a class, finish it, then move on to another. I suggest you start reading books on acting and acting theory to start.

Best, Taylor