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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/I'm a 13 year old girl with a dream

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Expert: - 1/26/2011


Question
Hi, I'm 13 years old and I live in Slovenia. I really want to become an actress, but in my country this is quite hard. There is not many auditions, and not many agents too. But I think there is non agents.
Last year I attend  some acting classes in school, when I was 6 I acted in Dormeo role up commercial,
about 4 months ago I acted in commercial for jogurt and I acted in one episode of Brat Bratu (in Slovenian language). So, I am wondering if you could tell me, or get me some tips how to start a real carrier (not just a commercials)  and become an actress. I fell really happy and free when I act on stage or in front of a camera. But like I said, it's really hard to start in our country, specially in my age. Thank you for the help!                                                        
                                                                                                      Manca

Answer
Hi Manca!

You should do what you are already doing! If you are taking classes and are getting commercials, keep doing that. Many actors found themselves in films from doing commercials. One of Brad Pitt's early jobs that got him noticed was a soft drink commercial! The more you are involved with ANY type of acting, the more chances you have to be "discovered". I hate to use that word, but in this case it's true! People who have never taken a single class and never have worked at all, but just wish have almost no chance to be seen and considered for more. People who act any way they can, are the ones that are being seen. That is the most important thing: TO BE SEEN!

Be careful about agents or managers. They should only take money from you if you get acting jobs. Real agents do not charge you money before you work!

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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