Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 9/22/2011

Question
Hello, My 13 year old daughter has literally been begging for the past year/or two to get involved with acting.  I have searched the internet high and low for how to even begin this process.  Maybe I am too over protective, but I see "scam" in everything I read and every internet sight promising the best.  She has no resume, no acting classes etc, just simply a passion. A passion that I would like to support, but I don't know how.  We currently live in Jacksonville Florida, about 2 hrs from Orlando. We may be moving back to NJ in the near future, where I'm sure there are more opportunities, but I'd hate to delay this process any longer than I already have.  PLEASE help! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Answer
Hello Toni,  It is well that you see 'scam' in most everything on the internet as most things are there to take the money of over eager youngsters and their families. I trust your daughter understands that she must begin doing stage productions. There are youth theatre groups organized for this purpose such as The Young Actors Theatre at Theatre Jacksonville which costs $210 for twelve weeks. If you are not going to be in Jacksonville long enough to be involved then I would wait until you get to NJ and contact me again.  I invite you to go to http://tao-of-acting.org and read my blog for lots of general information regarding acting. Best wishes, Doc