Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/starting career in acting

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/1/2011


Question
hi i am seriously thinking of starting a career in acting i used to do some small work but circumstances changeed my path.i am worried at 32 i maybe too old to start,considering i have never gone to acting school but know i can do i have done it before.another problem is the fees almost all agencies require to register am i too old and are there in agencies that register free for strters like me can u please advise
vanessa

Answer
Hi Vanessa,

I don't think 32 is too old to act, but as I have said here before, one must be realistic in what you expect to do. Although there are female actors who are of a certain age (40's)who are big names, I would set my sights for a supporting or character actor career. Its not to say that it won't happen, just that the odds are less likely because it takes a while to build a career.
The main thing is you need to get into classes to work on your craft and to meet other acting professionals.

I am disturbed about what you said about paying an agent: that is a no no. You NEVER pay for an agent, you share a percentage of your proceeds from a job's pay, but you don't pay for a real agent. EVER! If that's the deal offered, it's a scam and you should walk away!

Best,

Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.