Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 6/6/2010

Question
Hello Im 12 years old and soon to be 13. I was wondering if you could tell me how to start my career in acting. I live about an hour and a half away from NYC and I know that to get somewhere you need to have and agent. One problem though. I don't know how to get one, I know that you need to send in headshots along with a resume, but I don't know how to get on to ask you to an audition. I already have lots of experience and I was wondering if you could tell me what i should do to get my career started. Thank you for your help
Good luck :#

Nastja# that's my nickname!)

Answer
Hi Nastja,

You say you have experience. Classes? Parts in shows? What?

You merely have to submit by mail, your resume and headshot. If you get a response, great! If not, keep trying. You are in a competitive market, so don't quit! If no answer, move on! You have to be tough! Don't be "thin-skinned"!

You will have an advantage due to youth, because they don't expect you to have a lengthy resume.
But you still have to be as old or older acting than 13. Showbiz is a business. The reason they do films and projects is MONEY! Money is time, time is money. Be prepared! If you haven't taken classes, get on it! Be early for auditions and be tough! Submit your resume to agents in the phone book by email with headshots, professionally done! Go all out or go home! This is deadly serious!
The whole reason they are in business is to make money! Be grown up, show up early, don't act desperate, and pay attention! You are trying to get into a tough market, so don't expect to be treated like a child! Yeah, it sucks. You have to be emotionally connected, but take rejection. Get used to it or get out! Acting, like many other jobs, is competitive as hell. Many who aren't tough, bail out. You are old enough to know the truth: Yeah, you are special, just like everyone else! Lol! You won't get picked for everything. Deal with it! Doesn't mean you suck, just that they may want someone different. Do you know what the difference between those who make it and not? They keep trying! So, you don't get the agent/audition. Oh well! Keep trying! Their loss!

Stay in or quit!

Best, Taylor