Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 7/23/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Plonkey, I am 15 years old and I wish to pursue acting.  I'm not looking for Disney Channel or anything like that because I know of the chances i have.  I have been in several plays and have had big parts in each of them.  I also have taken several sing/dance/acting classes.  I wish to continue building a resume until about 18 years old which is where I have some questions.  Should I look for a college famous for their acting/theater department?  When would be a good age to get an agent?During college or after?  I live in the Bay Area, should i try to go to college in LA? if not, Should I move to LA after college?  thank you very much, I look forward to your answers.

Answer
Hi Max, First let me say that becoming a teen actor is very, very difficult because the producers do not want teen actors, they want adults that look like teens so they can avoid the child labor laws. Second you cannot become a teen actor unless your parents make it happen for you. You cannot sign any contract until you are 18 and  your parents have to sign for you. Keep working on your resume. If you write to me at kencosp@aol.com, I will send you my ebook on how to prepare to become an actor. Age has nothing to do with getting an agent. Having a dynamite head shot and resume does. There are plenty of agents in the Bay Area and lots of acting opportunity. You may not have to leave home to get started. I only recommend going to LA when you have a contract to do some work there. IT is wall to wall unemployed actors and really hard to get into anything. God bless, Doc