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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Needing advice on financial matters
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Question
Hi Mr. Taylor Sheppard,
I'm a 14 year old girl currently living in Asia. I really want to attend myself into a camp in New York for kids that are interested in acting and performing called Stagedoor Manor this 2011. The thing is, I don't have that kind of extra money lying around. It costs thousands of dollars, and my parents aren't exactly so up for it. But it's ultimately the money that's a problem. Stagedoor gets hundreds of requests for scholarships all the time, and the chances of me getting one is incredibly slim. But I don't want that to stop me. I want to become an actress more than anything in the world, and it's been my dream for as long as I can remember. I've tried considering other programs, but it's just the same case. The money's still a problem. So that's why I'm asking for your help. How should I do this? Is sponsorship a good idea? And if it is, would anyone be interested or willing to sponsor me? And if you could just kindly let me know about other ideas that could help me out a lot, I would be very grateful. :)
Thank you so much for your time!
Kyra
Hi Kyra,
The thing about acting is, that just like life, even if the door is closed and locked, you have to try and keep trying! Persistance pays off many times. Salespeople know that too!
Go ahead and apply to the school and see what happens, youy never know unless you do.
I get a lot of email from people in your situation: Great hopes and desires, but little or no money. If you can find a sponsor, I see no reason not to pursue that path, but there aren't too many around. Our country is having very bad economic times right now, and even movie studios and actors are making career choices they would not have just 3 years ago. I hope that everything gets better soon. Good luck on your journey, please keep trying to see your dream come true!
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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