Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/my dream :)

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Expert: - 6/23/2011


Question
me
me
i am 14 and want to start acting...my dream is to be famous and im determined to make it happen. im plus sized though.. 12-14 in size and 5'5 in height. how do i make it happen?

Answer
Hi Kate,

While I always encourage people to try to be the best they can be and to exercise and eat right, sometimes genetics has the upper hand. The main part is to be comfortable and accepting of yourself and realistic about the "type" of character you look like. The great thing about the world of acting is that it reflects the real world (mostly) and they need all types for roles. Although some shows tend to cast only slender, fit "pretty people" there are others who cast all.

I suggest you sart taking acting courses to get started. Don't worry about what's next. Those kids on Disney started out and continue to do the same. You have to know what you are doing around cameras, etc., so gain the knowledge so you can deliver!

Best,

Taylor  

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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