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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/I really need some help with the acting career.

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Expert: - 9/11/2010


Question
Hello, My name is Lauren. All i want to do is act, especially for Disney Channel. I've always dreamed of it, but my family isn't that wealthy. I cry at night because i don't know if ill ever chance at chasing my biggest wish. I need help on who should i trust as far as talent agents go, and is there a cheaper way? Also, where and when are these auditions for different shows held? What should i wear to make a good impression if i happened to get one? PLEASE help me!  

Answer
Hi Lauren,

Are you taking acting classes? That is where you start your career. It does cost money to take classes, but not thousands of dollars or anything. Also you will need a headshot done by a professional photographer, but that isn't right away. The classes come first so you know how to act and how to work with cameras.

As to agents, a REAL agent only gets a small percentage of your paycheck for doing a project. If one asks for money up front, walk away! That's not a real agent, but a scam.

As to audition outfits, you just want to wear something simple (not a bunch of distracting stuff) and you want to pay attention to what color looks best on you. If you get an audition, and then they ask for you to come back, be sure to wear the same outfit again and look the same!

Hope this helps!

Best,

Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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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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