Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/connections

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Expert: - 7/15/2009


Question

Melissa
I'm 22 years old and have no delusions thank I'm going to be the next big thing. But I do hope to find some work in profession. I'm scheduled for a workshop with the National Conservatory of the Dramatic Arts next month and plan on applying soon after I get a taste of what their school is like. I believe training is the most important thing, right up there with connections. What are some of the best ways to make those connections? I'm currently living in the DC area but have only been here for a short amount of time it seems like the majority of the talent here is theatre based and although I love that and that has been my main source of acting I would like to see about working toward more camera work.

Answer
Dear Melissa, I assume you have a strong background in on stage acting. If so the workshop will no doubt be helpful. But I disagree with you that training is the most important thing to prepare you for professional acting. I believe it is more stage acting, along with some indie film and student film experience. However, DC is not a great place to start an acting career. There are undoubtedly some community and resident theatre companies in the area, and I would recommend that you get involved with these asap. The best way of making connections or networking as it is often called, is to get organized in a business like fashion and begin to apply tried and true principles of getting yourself known. These are described in by free ebook, which I will send to you if you contact me at kencosp@aol.com. God bless, Doc

Kenneth D. Plonkey

Expertise

Questions about acting and directing. Questions about getting started in a careeer. Questions about training and schooling for actors.

Experience

I am a retired film actor. I am a retired university theatre program director and professor. I am the author of "The Tao of Acting, Mentoring for the Aspiring Actor" to be published this summer.

Organizations
SAG

Education/Credentials
BA, MA, PhD in Theatre Post graduate study with certificate in Media Acting

Awards and Honors
John Golden Traveling Fellowship

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