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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Please Help Me!
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Question
Hi, My name is Stacia Crawford, and I want to be an actress.
The reason I want to be an actress is because I like to memorize lines to shows and I like to be on camera. What I need to know is if there is any way you can make these dreams of a 14 year old girl come true.
Thanks for your time.
Hi Stacia,
Its a good thing that you enjoy being in front of cameras, being comfortable is a big part to overcome. But just because you like the camera, doesn't mean you're ready for the big time. You should take classes to learn the secrets of acting and how to look your best and what to do or not, to do. While you see shows on TV where they just whisk someone off the street and make them a star, in real life, that doesn't happen. It sounds cooler to say they got there overnight instead of working from the time they were a toddler, which really helps! There is no reason you can't be successful starting older in the business, you just have to be serious and patient!
Start on some classes, then we'll go from there!
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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