Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 8/1/2007

Question
Hello,
      my name is Alyssa I'm 13 and I live in Anaheim California and i had a couple questions for you. I read a few emails back and fourth between you and this girl Hannah, and they seemed helpful so I had some of the same questions. My cousin Tricia has gotten into acting, and she told me it would be best to find an agent first. what are the steps I should follow I know I have to get a head shot, then an agent? I'm  not quite sure.

   Like the other girl I know it would be best to start in this field young, rather than later, my cousin Tricia is 30 and I know it is more difficult as an adult. Like many others I to went down the road of the big corporations like jrp (john robert powers) and Barbizon. I went to an audition at Barbizon and the told me I was beautiful, I will go far in this business, they loved me, i would make it because i am biracial, half black/half white people are really unique, blah, blah, blah is that just a bunch of crap? and then they said oh since you were so good we want you to join our program its $3,000!
was that a scam?

     I agree with a lot of things that girl Hannah had to say its like she took the word right out of my mouth. I know there are millions of people like me trying to do what I am but like her i don't care about the fame, I'm sure everyone says this, and yeah fame and all its perks are nice but i really want to act and i work hard and strive to achieve my goals, i stop at nothing, i also know rejection is a big part of this business and those obstacles are just another silly challenge. I want this for myself.

 so if you have any suggestions, ideas, ect... i would love to hear from you all is appreciated.
i also apologize for the long letter.

thank you for reading
i hope to hear from you

          sincerely,
                    Alyssa  

Answer
Hi Alyssa,

From reading your letter, I have a very good feeling about you. You realize there are scams -it's sad that an actor, with as many pitfalls as it is, has to deal with the vultures who prey upon their dreams! I sincerely hope someday that someone files a lawsuit and wins.

You will need a headshot to seek an agent. Contrary to the advice you heard, you do need to have some experience to approach an agent, especially in Calif. Because the people who are trying there are mix of very talented people and a lot of people who want to be. If an agent has only so many spots left to manage, they will want the best -or at least, most marketable, because they are there to make money.

Living in Anaheim, as you get a little older, you may be able to get on at Disneyland. That would count, and there has been celebs who started there. Remember, Brad Pitt actually wore a chicken costume once at the beginning of his career!

Keep looking for classes and work on your craft, and don't worry about your age. It doesn't ever help to worry. Some things are worth thinking about, but not worrying, it just ages you and gets in the way of you performing. Things will happen if and when they happen, and if they don't, they weren't meant to. Just concentrate on the work and go from there!

Best,
Taylor