Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/How to start an acting career

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Expert: - 6/16/2009


Question

A picture of me.
Dear Mrs. Sheppard, My name is Debbie and I have just now realized I want to act. I always watch Disney Channel and I am almost 13. I really want to be on
Disney Channel.My mom has just now got a job after being laid off for 1 year. We don't really have a lot of extra money for acting classes or an agent. I also want to be a singer. I know I can sing because I have sang for some of my family members. But the thing I want more  is to be on Disney Channel. Do you have advice to try to help me get on Disney Channel? Or How to get an agent or start acting classes for a low price? Please I need your help! P.S. I have attached a picture of me in case you know some agents that can help me.

Answer
Hi Debbie,

First, I'm a guy! Just thought I'd clear that up. I guess you didn't see my picture on the site?

When being an actor it is most important to pay attention to the details....

Classes are a must. There really isn't a way to get around them. You may have to find free classes or find a part time job around the neighborhood to pay for them.

The thing is, until you perform for someone else, you don't know how talented you are. Family will be there for you, strangers can be more like Simon Cowell. However, that is what you find out by taking classes. You find out where you need to work on your talents and where you are fine.

Agents aren't paid any money in advance, they only get money if you get work and it depends on how much the job brings in that they take a small percentage. Real agents work that way.

There is no magic Disney access. The kids who become actors on the channel start early with the singing, acting and dancing classes. They look natural, but they have lots of experience and their parents work hard with them for years to get them there. Go online and see if you can read about Brittney Spears. She was on Disney early on. Read about how she got there. You might try Wickipedia.

There are lots of things besides Disney to do, but learning to act is the first step!

Best,

Taylor

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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