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Question
Okay, so I'm 11 and I want to be an actress soooo bad. I already have a good foundation. I have trained with barbizon, been in plenty of plays with lead roles, taken workshops, been in the Barbizon Capitol Competition, and I am so ready! I've had tons of agencies contact me, but my mom has turned them all down. I'd prefer an agency in north carolina or virginia beach, or at least somewhere within 2-6 (driving in the car) hours from here (Roanoke, Va/ Southwestern virginia). But I want a good, well known, reputable agency. But I can't find one on the internet, 'cause they all claim to be wonderful. My mom will only accept those within 2-6 hours
Hi Taler, Your mom sounds smart, if overly cautious. You wouldn't want an agent that says they are just okay.
Look in the phone directories in the big cities nearest you for talent agencies and submit your headshot and resume to them. That's about it. There are few guarantees on agents until you get to know them. Never go with an agent that wants some sort of upfront fee. You only have to pay them a percentage if they get you an audition and you book it and then they get a check and send you your part less their cut. Anything else is a scam.
Hope this helps!
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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