Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/20/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am a 16 year old sophomore in high school who lives in the LA area, and I was wondering if I should even bother trying out acting if I am too old. I am not in drama, I have never been a lead in any plays at all, but movies, film, and acting have interested me for years. One Saturday I was approached by someone to go to an event that tests whether or not your child would consider the acting field. They didn't ask for money, so I went and found that I was the oldest one there. I loved it and had a lot of fun. The next day I got a call back and the following day went to a talent agency where they filmed me once again. The next step for me now would be to take acting classes. I know that acting is something that is usually started when young, so I am wondering if it would be practical to start at my age. I have also had a great interest in writing,film production, and movies. The way I seen it: why coach a football team without ever having played the sport?

ANSWER: Dear Tara.  First you are being Scammed, these people use the 'audition and call back" scam to sell their overly expensive acting classes. Do not entroll. They will never get you a part in a a film. This is the oldest, most common scam there is. Of course you do not tell me the name of the "talent agency". Why don't you do a web search of their name followed by the workd SCAM and see what you find?  Check them with the Better Business Bureau as well.  You want to work in writing and film production, go to film school.  You have not demonstrated any interest in being an actor except dreaming about it. That will only get you scammed. Sorry, but this is the truth of the matter. Of course you are not too old to start acting, but people start acting in their school and community plays. God bless, Doc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your input. By the way, the school is called Gary Spatz's The Playground in Los Angeles, California. Going in I actually understood that they would not directly get me an agent, nor did I believe I was going in for an audition. Yeah, I kind of got the idea that I was only picked for my looks (and the fact that I look twelve), because I clearly have no experience. But if I do choose to tryout this path, what would be considered a reasonable price for acting classes? If $2005 for one set is too much, what is not?

Answer
Dear Tara, You are quite welcome. I do my best to help those who seek advice here. Upon researching The Playground, I find that it is most likely a legit operation, however they use unethical companies to recruit clients for them. These recruiting companies use all sorts of illegitimate tactics such as recruiting in malls and telling people they have auditions for a movie or TV show when they are just being recruited to sell classes to. I think it is unethical for the Playground to sign people to a #2000 contract. That is a lot of money. An acting class usually costs thirty to fifty dollars a week and lasts about eight to twelve weeks. In fact, acting classes are not how to become an actor. Experience is. You would be far better off acting in the school and community plays than spending this kind of money for this school.  There are also youth theatres that have better programs. If you want to become an actor, really truly must become an actor, then I can help you attempt to do that, but if you are only interested because you were recruited by this unethical company, I'd say forget about it. God bless, Doc