Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 8/24/2010

Question
My name is Anna, I'm 16 and an aspiring performer. I have some questions regarding acting careers. I want to do musical theater someday as a career. I plan on going to college with theater as my major but I'm also into directing and choreography. My question is how exactly do I go about finding the right agent or finding one at all. I know that is probably the first step in an acting career. Are there different agents for different genres of acting (film theater etc) ? And how can i find them in my area? Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Hi Anna,

I like your letter for the ambition it contains!

Theater and film are very different styles of acting. Stage is very "big" in gestures and speaking because you have to fill a large theater.
Camera acting has to be smaller, more subtle and personal. The camera "takes" even the smallest movement from your face. You don't have to be any "bigger" than in real life. Although some movements are more deliberate (slower) due to the camera having to keep up with you.

College would definitely be the way to go to do theater, say a BFA (Bachelor Fine Arts)in theater. Those who want to direct often go on to get their MFA (Masters degree). I don't know if it would be possible, but maybe you could find a school that would allow the theater degree along with a minor in RTF (radio, TV and Film)?

Meanwhile, you have a little time before college, so why not take dancing, singing and acting classes to get a head start beforehand? When I walked into college French class I got a rude surprise! They were all already speaking it! This was a beginning class, so I asked the professor and she said, yes, beginning, but most of the kids had already had some classes in high school! If I could go back, and I were you, I would want to get a leg up on things and start early so you can already have a working knowledge of what you are doing before you enter the hallowed halls of the university!

As to an agent, there's no need unless you have already been taking classes and wish to try to act before college. -You could do that-however, many colleges will have you sign an agreement NOT to participate in any extra-curricular projects while in their program. The feeling is, I suppose, that they want you to focus ONLY on what they are having you do, without distraction. As it is, there are plenty of distractions when you get to college: young love, parties, Greek life, etc. It's best to not get too serious about any of those things if you want your career. Some things can slow you down or stop you, as well as break your heart. Nothing like falling in love and having to choose your dream over geography and love. Couples who meet in their late teens/early twenties seldom make "happily ever-after" so avoiding it and just having fun is the better choice, especially if you want to succeed!

I hope the best for you!

Taylor