Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 7/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi I've got a real problem. I'm about to start college but I can't help thinking about this burning desire to go drama school. I've always wanted to go drama school but my parents didn't have the time to take me. I've always been interested in acting and always find it fun showing off on the stage in front of people. I also enjoy entertaining people and make them feel better. But then again I'm shy really shy and feel a little uncomfortable about the future. I mean after I leave college I don't know whether I should take up drama school or go straight to university to do journalism and television broadcasting. I'm really stuck between two careers and i don't know which one to take. Should I go drama school first or should I go after university? And also I'm really worried that after I've trained to become an actor if I don't get any work and I become skint and get loads of bills. That's why I've turned to you for help because it seems you're the only person that know what's it's really like being an actor and probably training at drama school so please could you help me I'm really stuck and depressed about this. Also I was thinking about taking acting classes when I start college. I've taken acting classes before but felt uncomfortable with arrogant boys who think they are better than me in that class do you think I should give it another go and see where it takes me? Also I'm worried that when I become an actor my character in a certain storyline but end up in an accident and I have to lie in a bed with tubes in my mouth. and that's the last thing I would want to do. I'm so puzzled please please please I really need your help. Joe"

ANSWER: Hi Joe,

Which way to turn?

Well, as I have said in my previous answers, ALWAYS have a backup plan! However, you shouldn't deny your desire to act, because I have always found that saying: "Beware what you wish for!" to be a very true statement. When you leave secret desires smoldering, they flare up. It might not be right away, but maybe when you are 50 and have a family and start having those dreams about it at night. I have talked with those people. It is always the same: "I wanted to act -to see what I could do- BUT I obeyed my parents and got into insurance...I do all right, but I WISH I had..."

You can always try taking classes now that you are gaining independence. Many actors have become broadcast journalists instead of actors and visa versa. Either way you are dealing with cameras and putting on a show. Why not go hand in hand?

Unfortunately, you will always meet arrogant people in acting who act as if they were given some brass ring that they feel is only for the chosen. I took an introductory class with an acting coach a few years back. They give you a freebie to see how you like their class. Well, I was NOT impressed! The guy was a good looking, younger buck who was "on sabbatical" (running home w/tail between legs) from Los Angeles. He had this superiority thing oozing from his pores. He looked at me with contempt disguised with a saccharin smile. I did NOT take the classes. Him? He is still "on sabbatical" 5 years later!
Sad thing for him is everyone he affected this way probably blew him off too! All the lost money...
IF he was so good, he could have acted his way into checks, instead, his sense of ego (preservation) was more important than being real. No matter what gig I get now, I always act as I did beforehand, because you go up, then back down. You never stay up forever.

I used to worry that my "Big Break" role would be playing a gay man. Nothing against gays, I have great friends who are, it's just that worry that if you do the best job in the world playing that character, you will be forever known as that character. Luckily, that typecasting thing is getting better these days. I remember the first time I saw William H Macy. He was in "Mr. Holland's Opus". He played an assistant principle who was not liked and was very "by the book" and focused on the negative. Well, it was an awesome performance from a hugely talented actor, and I really felt like this guy was a jerk...BUT he has gone on to play an announcer on "Sea Biscuit", a porn cameraman on "Boogie Nights" and possibly his best role, a down and out middle-aged man with a permanent limp, who works as a professional "cooler" in an outdated Las Vegas hotel casino which is seeing its twilight days. If you haven't seen it, do so. He is a great actor and very brave. He actually did a full frontal nude scene in the movie with his co-star, Maria Belo. Daunting at his age!

Bottom line: take the classes as electives while you study the broadcast/journalism classes!

Best,
Taylor

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

QUESTION: So do you think I should think about broadcast journalism as well as acting? And also do you have to go to dangerous places like Iraq when doing broadcast journalism?

Answer
Hey Joe,

Yes, I think journalism would work out with the acting. No, you wouldn't have to go to wars necessarily. Have you thought of being a weatherman or sportscaster? A meteorology degree would be handy and you would have a fallback if you were a "talking head" lol.
So often, someone studies one thing and does another anyway. I think you have a great plan Joe!
Best,

Taylor