Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 6/28/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi taylor! my name is Kiersten and i'm 14 years old. I really want to be an actress because it looks like a lot of fun. My problem is i dont know what it takes for me to be a well known actress living in Virginia. Can you help?

ANSWER: Hi Kiersten,
The secret to being a well-known actress, huh?
Short answer: Start taking classes, if you aren't already.
If you are a polished, well trained performer who blows people away whenever you act, you'll be well-known. You also will need to be professional when you are an actor to avoid being well-known for the wrong reasons.
Every little while, some actor who has the talent and stage presence to go far, will make the mistake of being late to jobs, act like he or she is royalty, or throws a fit at the wrong time.
Recently, an actor from a very well known series came back to TV. It only took him 10-12 years to get back. Why? He got to thinking he was all that and decided he was irreplaceable on the show. He got a reputation of being "difficult" and POOF! he was off the show, not to be seen for a long time. He thought he should be paid a lot more than everybody else...which was part of it.
Brad Pitt worked on a movie with Morgan Freeman. (I would kill to do that!) Brad started off shooting the movie by arriving late to the set very late! Mr. Freeman took Brad aside, and in his low, calm voice simply said: "It's unprofessional to be late to the set". (Straight from Mr. Pitt). After that, no more was Brad late.

I mention that here, because I haven't had an opportunity to before in my previous answers.
Be on time (or early) to auditions, to gigs or any obligations you have. If a reporter interviewed you as a star, would they be happy to wait an hour? What would they write about you?
Learn your lines word for word, know them in your sleep!
Also, learn your part several different ways: happy, angry, silly, earnest...whatever. That way, it will appear to the director that you do your homework and are creative!

At this point, just find acting classes and take as many as you can. Then check back here for the next step!
Best, Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks. Someone else told me to take classes and go to acting camp also! but how will i do that in Virginia? There is no opportunity here, or is there?

Answer
Hey Kiersten,

Turn on your computer. Type www.google.com into the browser window. Type: "enter". When google comes up, type: "acting classes VA" OR "acting schools VA". Click on the search....there you go! They have something in the Shenandoah Valley on camera classes. You may have to look over the search and change words until you find a good school(s). Just don't use one that seems like they want to milk your finances dry with headshots and other stuff they "require". Take time to check them out with the BBB (better business bureau online). A good school should just take tuition and teach you. Not promise you gigs for a fee. RUN if they do....

Best,
Taylor

Hope this helps!