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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Becoming an singer and actress
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Question
Hi. Im Meghan and 11 years old and my dream was to be a singer and sctress. Everyone say im a great singer. I Also write songs, and Have been wondering how i get to act and sing. Please help.
Hi Meghan,
Wow! Sounds like you are really advanced! When I played in my bands years ago, the hardest part was trying to write songs. I tend to be overly critical of my own work, so I'm sure that didn't help! That is something that all performers need -the ability to just create without editing yourself as you go.
As for your career, I recommend taking classes. Why? Because a performer must practice, practice, practice. Even if they are great. Especially if they are great.
There is an old story, more of a fable: A fan sees a famous violinist outside Carnegie Hall. The fan rushes up to the artist and gushes "I'd give my LIFE to play like you!" The violinist smiles a little smile and replies: "Thank you. I did."
You see, most truly great artists live, eat and breathe what they do, and with acting and singing, or at least acting, you don't get many chances to use your "instrument" outside of actual performances, so any chance you get to practice w/real people is wonderful.
Another benefit to taking classes (especially as young as you are) is you get to meet people who know people in the business. If you really shine, they know people who can get you places. When you have classes under your belt and maybe a few acting or singing jobs, you can get pictures (called a headshot) to send to possible agents to represent you. It's important that even though you think that you are ready, to go through these steps to get there. Otherwise, being impatient may cause you to make a bad impression on important people. When that happens, they remember you as the girl who can sing and act, but who needs work, and that's all they remember for a very long time.
Take your time, work hard and I promise you, things will go much faster!
Best,
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
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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