Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 6/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Kenneth. I am a 17 year old female who wants to be either on television or on Broadway (or a prestigious stage). do you have any tips on how to get there? I already take dance voice and acting, but what I need information on is the business part of it. How do you get an audition with a television agency? How do you make a good impression on them. Thank you in advance for your help, it is very much appreciated.

ANSWER: Hello Kacey, Well, if you are still in high school, your parents could and should be working on finding you an agent and casting opportunities. You cannot sign a contract until you are 18, so you need them working for you. I hope you are acting in all the school plays, because that is the most important thing you can be doing right now. Where and with whom did  you study acting? What roles in what plays have you done? What large city are you in or near? These questions will help me advise you more accurately.  Most talent agencies cover film, tv series, commercials and live theatre, so don't worry about one or the other.  You make a good impression by being professional and by being very talented. Contact me at kencosp@aol.com and I will send you my ebook on preparing for a career as an actor.  Best wishes and God bless, Doc

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

QUESTION: Thank you very much for helping with the preliminaries. The closest big city to me right now would probably be Salt Lake. I don't think there is that much opportunity to be had there... I have studied acting from my school teacher and also with a few different directors who took time to help me out personally. I have also played parts in A Midsummers Night Dream (Helena), Grease (lead dancer), The King and I (ballet and acting), Lady Pirates of Captain Bree (Pirate), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (dancer and townsgirl), A Tooth Hurts (Mavis), Les Miserables (Beggar). I have also been taking dance for 14 years and competing in dance for 8.

Answer
Hi again, Well since High School Musical was made there, I wouldn't sell it short.  And there are film makers in Park City as well. Your school teacher and different directors do not count, you need professional classes from a studio. You have had one good role and need to to more to have evidence of your ability to act which is different from dancing. Get your parents to help you find an acting studio and an agent in Salt Lake and beging working toward your goal. Best wishes, Doc