Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 9/26/2007

Question
"Hello,

I am a 24 yr old latino female.  I've been acting all my life in
community shows, school shows, and most recently in short films and videos in
college (not that i have any real proof of this since i didn't get
copies).  I've gotten extremely positive feedback from professors who've
worked in the industry as well as fellow students.  I currently have a
stable 9-5 job, but can't seem to get the yearning for acting out of my
system, no matter what i try.

I've recently enrolled in a serious miesner technique acting studio and
have been asked to join as a full member.  I'm working on the craft,
but i need to know, what should my next step be?  I have no headshots
yet (but i've consulted with a photographer that I really like), and i
know that this is a crucial step.  I have no reel, and am obviously
non-union.  how do you recommend getting experience as a new comer to NYC?
 mandy.com/student films?  Since i AM 24 the clock in my head is really
starting to speed up...I'm even considering leaving my current good,
stable job in order to pursue the only thing that has ever really mad me
happy.  Any advice on  how to start from where i am would be much
appreciated, including how to get an agent, and when to start trying for
one.  Thank you!"

Answer
HI, good to  hear from you.
  You are at a good age for the business.  And you have a great background of experience and training.  I would not get too eager to get headshot just yet.  Let's get your resume in order first.  All those things you have done proof or not, put in your resume (if you need to know how to make a resume, contact me at kencosp@aol.com) Dont get in rush to quit your day job, you will need it for quite a while. I heartily approve of your Meisner training, as do not approve of Stanislavki System nor The Method. Don't worry so much about age, you are in the age range 25-up that draws from the smallest pool of actors. Well, I think you are just about ready for an agent. I have some training for you about how to audition and interview and a few other goodies you may find interesting-for  example, an agent just told me this morning that drive and willingness to do whatever it takes are the most important things right after ability.  Please write me at the address I gave you above and we can, I think, get you started.  Doc