Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 6/6/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am interested into getting into acting, but have no idea where to begin. I see ads in the paper about how they need extras. But I feel like that probably won't get me far to where I want to be. Also I never took any classes or anything while in school, so I have no credits or actual proof I guess you could say. But I know I am good at it. I have "messed around" or whatever with friends or at church or elsewhere acting. I even once took part in a play at my church, From An Angels Point of View. It was all basically voice sync for my part as a disciple of Christ. But anyhow, I love to animate voices and act weird I guess you could say. Some or most of my friends could say that I am good at it as well. Anyhow, I wouldn't mind working or taking part in a small movie/show. But I would love to take part in a movie more than a show, but it is all whatever to me. Also, another thing is if the production is out of county or out of state, do all productions or whomever pay for that person to get there? And how would they go about letting you audition? I am in a tight spot pretty much, but in the end I know whatever I do will be worth it. And sorry if my sentences were juggled. I am rushing it right now..so yeah.

ANSWER: It would not hurt to do extra work. It usually pays well and you can use it on your resume. The very best way to find out if you are a good actor is for you to audition for amateur community theater. The kinds of roles you get will bespeak of your talent. You do not say how old you are, but I gather you are out of school.  You need to understand that professional acting is a business and you are both the salesman and the product. Like other businesses it requires financial investment. So the first thing anyone does who is serious about acting is to get a
'day' job to make money to live on and to put into their business.  If you do get a part in a movie that you have to travel to they pay your travel expenses. But it is most likely that you are some years until that will happen. To learn more about acting and being an actor go to http://www.theatredoconacting.blogspot.com and read everything that is there. If I get questions from you about that reading, I will know that you are serious about acting.
Best wishes and God bless, Doc

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

QUESTION: Well I just got done reading everything on that link you sent me. It was very helpful. And now I know what I must do. Just as I figured it won't be easy. But it won't be hard either. No matter how long it takes I know it will be worth it to get far in the end. As I said in my last sent question I will be joining the San Angelo Civic Theater here after obtaining a job.
Along with the knowledge and skills I have now I know I have somewhat more to learn, not a lot, but some.
So about how long do you think I should wait or how many plays/acts do you think I should take part in to add to my resume before trying to contact Disney or some other filming industry? I say Disney as an example, I donot plan to go with them, but if that is where I must go to where I want to be than so be it. I would prefer being in movies there are horror/sci-fi more than anything, but in the end I suppose anything will really do. I am not entirely picky, just preferrences.

ANSWER: Hello John,  I recommend that you return to my blog often, reread the old material and there will be new material from time to time. Whenever you have any questions about what you read or what you should do about your acting write me at kencosp@aol.com.  I don't see anything about joining the theatre in your previous question, but that is an excellent idea. The main thing you need is experience acting in plays and films.  There is no set time length for actor preparation, nor is there a set length for a resume. Actors continue to do both for years and years, even after they become stars. And contacting production companies directly is not the usual way to go about breaking into the business. What you want to do is build an impressive resume and get an agent.  To do that you will have to get your networking tools together and live where there is a lot of acting opportunities.  You will not get your choice of auditions when you are a beginner, you will go to whatever is open for your age and type and then you will have to pass the audition. Acting is not like other work. You don't just show up and start acting with a company. Speaking of Disney, there is an open audition for Disney in Austin this or next week. Go to www.filmtelevisionauditions.com and find out how to take part. Let me know how it goes, Doc

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

QUESTION: Thank you Doc. And well unfortunely I will not be able to take part in those auditions. The auditions were two days ago so I missed out. But nevertheless I have no way there, due to my friend that could have given me a ride there is currently out of town. Although I am 19 almost 20 I do tend to look 15 or so when I am clean shaven and have my hair cut short. Just throwing that in there as a plus. But anyways I might be able to land a job soon early in the morning or a graveyard shift, which is what I would prefer so as that there would not interfere with any acting, etc. And than afterwards I can go ahead and get into the local Civic Theatre here in my town. And possibly and hopefully at the local university. But if not the local theatre will do.
But now things might not go as I would hope..the people I am staying with are moving to Seattle next month and if that happens I am out of a place to stay..so I have decided if I can't get a job by June 20th I might be going to the army recruiters office...seeing as I have no idea of what else to do...I am in hopes of not having to do that because I would really like to go into acting and learn even more things and to better my acting skills. I know I need to learn to dance in case that ever comes along and many other things...and I will be sure to keep looking at your blog posts, which they seemed to have helped.

Answer
Hi John, Well, sometimes we travel circuitous paths to get where we are going. My grandson was faced with no job and a wife and new baby so he chose to enlist in the US Army. I could not be more proud of him. So don't worry about it. It is an honorable move and will prepare you for the rest of your life. Best wishes and God bless, Doc