Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Acting, I few questions.

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Expert: - 8/11/2007


Question
Hi, my name is Caitlin and I'm 14 years old.

I started with acting classes in the summer of 2005 when I moved to Toronto. I studied with "The Toronto Academy of Acting".

My acting instructor told me that it would take a lot of work, but I could probably have a successful acting career.
He evaluated me a few times saying what I could improve on etc..

I have taken acting classes and done ShowChoir and Musical Theatre. But, I am moving back to a very small town in Wisconsin.

Is there anyway that I could keep moving forward with my career if there are no classes near my town that are dedicated to moving your forward in the business? Should I join a local talent agency so I could keep going, even if it's only a little bit? And if I do, where would I go from there? Also, how do I get jobs so I can become a Union member?

I know that, in this business, there is rejection and some people, who get into this business, don't do it because they like it. I just love doing this, and I really don't want to have to give it up.

Thank you for your time.

Caitlin

Answer
Good for you Caitlin!
I love to hear someone who loves acting, and not loving the idea of fame foremost!

The dilemma of moving to a small town. Hometown or love interest?
Unfortunately a career in acting can clash with love and also unfortunately it can be hampered by money shortage.
Moving home is nice at times, but in reality, you have to spread your wings young, because most of us tend to set down roots if in one place very long. Getting away gets harder as you get older. One reason is as a student, you didn't have much, but it didn't take much to be happy. As you get older you need too many things...comforts.

All you can do is do what you can there and evaluate what is most important, going forward or staying there!

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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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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