Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/8/2012

Question
Good day DR. Kenneth Plonkey (Theater Doc),

I have read your blogs and many of your answers on yahoo. I have a daughter who since the age of 8 has been telling me that she dreams of becoming an actress. I didn't pay to much mind into it thinking that she wasn't serious, well now she's 11, her name is Itati Nicole Gomez, and she still has not changed her mind. I started taking her to some acting classes and acting seminars, she enjoys them very much, but they are quite expensive and I honestly don't have the money. I also went to acting conventions like The Event, in which I found to be a bit overpriced and fishy. She shows a lot of charisma, initiative, very driven, knows exactly what she wants. So I would like to know if you can give me some tips on what more I can do to help her pursue her dream. what other steps should I take as I know absolutely nothing on how to pursue this or the industry. I've done some research online, but really to no avail. I have also contacted several agents around my area, they tell me I would have to send a picture and a resume, but how can she send a resume if she hasn't act in anything at all, her school doesn't do school plays. I got all the agents information from the SAG website. I honestly don't know what else to do. I know that this is what she wants, as she constantly is reminding and pushing me to do something, and I would like to make it happen for her. I have gone to Backstage.com, ActorsAccess.com, castingabout.com, but nothing. Any tips and advice is highly appreciated because I am stuck. Thank you very much for your time.

Kind regards,
Sandra O.

Answer
Hello Sandra, I am pleased to hear that you have read my blog.  I am concerned that you say your daughter's acting classes are expensive.  You have to be very careful of scams which are prevalent in the acting field. The Event is one of them.  Of course I can help you promote your daughter's acting, but I must tell you that you have to build her resume first. And that you do by finding plays and musicals for her to be in.  I would recommend you find her a school that does plays and pursue the possibility of her auditioning for community theatre plays near you. I do all my counseling at kencosp@aol.com where I see you have sent me a version of this letter.  I will add some info to a reply and we cam continue talking at that address. Best wishes and God bless, Doc