Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 12/31/2010

Question
Dear Dr. Plonkey,

I am looking to get into acting, I am just about to graduate high school this coming year, and I am looking at schools where I can hone my acting skill. I have been acting since middle school and I have been in multiple productions as a lead. Also I have acted in a couple films for friends in film school. I have established they kind of actor I am and the type of characters I am able to pull off as of right now. I have been in contact with two schools mainly, New York Film Academy and Theater of Arts, both in California. I have read your opinion of NYFA and my family is already shutting that down as an option, so I was wondering if you know anything about this other school. It is cheaper and they have offered me a $5,000 scholarship, also the president seems very nice and has shown a lot of interest in me; but right now I have no way to check in on how there program is because they are far less known than NYFA, so there aren't many reviews on them. So if you could tell me anything about them that would be great.
One other question I have, which may pretty much cancel out my other one, is whether school will even help me? Is it better for me to just go out to LA and start auditioning? I have a thick skin and I can take rejection, so I am not afraid to jump straight into the scene there. Also since money isn't that much of a problem, I could sustain a good life there until I start getting work.
I know my thoughts and questions are a little scattered, but I look forward to your response and would very much appreciate it.
Sincerely, Chris

Answer
Hi Chris, First of all I urge you to read all of the two years of posts at my blog at http://www.theatedoconacting.blogspot.com  The information there is something you badly need. Then contact me with all the questions you have from that reading and I will send you my free ebook on becoming an actor. Second, Theatre of Arts is a good school, but I am sure that their cost is way over five grand and that they are just interested in you as a tuition payer, because that is what keeps schools going. Third, I do not think you should go to LA and try to become an actor as you will see when you read the post "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" on my blog. You don't just show up and start auditioning. The business doesn't work like that. I also believe you need experience more than school and if you are talented, a couple of well chosen classes is what you will need. Now, write to me at kencosp@aol.com and send me your resume and tell me what large city you are in or near. God bless, Doc