Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 7/14/2009

Question
Hi! I知 so glad, that I致e found this site, where I can ask any question about acting in America. My name is Julianna. I知 from Russia. I知 20, but I look like a girl of 18. I致e been learning English since I was 5. My acting experience is connected only with Russian school theatre, but I知 fond of American cinema and I知 eager to become an actress in your country. Besides, I practice dancing and singing. As to my studies, I知 a student of the philological faculty. Though I知 good at literature, I understand that I知 an actress by birth. I have an excellent memory (both for Russian and English languages). But the only thing I can do now is learning English (especially English poems, because I like them). Are there any chances for a Russian girl to come to the world of American cinema? How can I start? Can I send a resume, my photos and video tape records to cinema companies (for example, to Disney Channel)? Besides, can you recommend me books and DVDs about acting (American acting)? Do I need to pass exams (for example TOEFL) to confirm my knowledge of English? Sorry for so many questions! Thank you for your attention and help!

Answer
Hello Julianna, first of all, it is nearly impossible for anyone
to become an actress in the US due to the overwhelmingly overcrowded situation of unemployed actors. For a non citizen to become a professional actress in this country requires that they gain citizenship or a green card or imported star status. It would do no good to send your things to any casting agency or casting director over here because you would still have to be auditioned (and how would you do that?) and meet one of the requirements for employment. I know of now "chances" for a Russian girl to become employed in the American cinema other that coming here, getting a green card and trying to break into it as anyone else. That could take some  years to accomplish. You are already too old for Disney, and except for the fact that many American teachers such as myself feel Stanislavsky is out of date, there is no real difference in acting from one country to another. I do not think you would have to pass an English exam.  The best acting books in my opinion are Acting for the Camera by Tony Barr, How to Stop Acting  by  Harold Guskin and my own book which you can have free be contacting me at kencosp@aol.com.  God bless, Doc