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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/How to get into the business
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Question
Hello. I'm a sixteen year old Californian, and acting has always been my passion. I participate in community theater and have taken several general classes. Since deciding that I want to go into this proffessionally, I realize that I need to get an agent and don't know how. I also need to know the differences between stage acting and film. Could you help me?
Hi Jasmin,
Theater and film are different because gestures and voice HAVE to be bigger to be seen by the audience. In film, you don't have to raise your voice to be recorded (unless you need to scream for the scene). In film, you look terrible if you don't just be real to life and natural.
To get an agent, you need to create a resume. (look up acting resumes on the internet for examples).
Don't include height, weight, haircolor, age or personal info: ph, address, email. -Those you put in a short cover letter to send with your professionally done headshot. (the contact info, not the description). Do not send a headshot taken by anyone other than a pro photographer. It is a waste of time, money and is embarrassing to your career. That is the biggest thing other than classes to spare no money.
So you look up talent agencies in the nearest big city you could go to within no more than 2-3 hours. It's no good if you can't get to auditions. Send the photo, the resume and a VERY short cover letter stating you are currently seeking an agent in the local market by US mail.. Do not waste time with John Casablanca or any of those "agencies" who want to teach you to act and promise jobs. Rippoff.
Once you submit, wait. If they want to see you, they will call. If they don't, they won't. Don't call them asking. That's showbiz. They only call if you are wanted. That takes getting used to. Agents also want to see that you are continuing developing your talent by taking classes. They keep you sharp and you can always grow: even at 90!
Best,
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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