Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 7/3/2007

Question
QUESTION: Taylor, I am so longing to be a famous actor! I have been accepted into the John Robert Powers school/agency and have been to not as much auditions. I don't know how to get an agent to audition for Disney Channel or any other show. Please help me find a great agent that can get me into Disney Channel! Thank you for your time.:)

ANSWER: Hi Victor,
I am glad you want to be an actor, hopefully more than famous, because that is a bit harder, and if that is your only desire, it is going to be a really hard road for you.
It is better if you enjoy acting just for acting, because you have a high chance of being an actor if you want to be, while being famous is almost random in who it happens to. Hard work is really important to be a successful actor.
I recommend taking classes in all areas of acting to develop your talent.

As to John Robert Powers, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM!
I have heard the same remarks as yours from many acting hopefuls that spent money with them and wound up with 1 or 2 "auditions"...that they did not get, or some mall fashion show. DO NOT PAY ANYONE ANYTHING TO REPRESENT YOU...UNLESS THEY GET YOU A JOB AND THEY TAKE A PERCENTAGE AFTERWARD!
IF THEY WANT MONEY UPFRONT, WALK AWAY!!!
Sorry to shout, but it is important.
An agent will want you to have done some sort of acting -even if just school plays, and will want to see that you are taking classes. Do not waste their time or yours by contacting them if all you have is a strong desire to be on TV. It takes more than that.

Break a leg!

Taylor

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

QUESTION: Taylor,

   Thank you so much for the imformation, but i have taken classes and been in many performances. i just don't know where or how to audition for an agent. Do u think you could give me some imformation about where to audition for one........if thats not a problem to you.? And just so you know, i am a hard working kind of guy who does not give up on what he wants.:) (sorry if i sound a bit mean!) Please and Thank you:)

Answer
Hi Victor,

All you need to look for an agent is a really good headshot and a professional looking resume. The headshot must be professionally done and look like you, but a best shot possible. Do not let or have the photographer retouch the shot for anything permanent. A zit is fine, just don't photoshop it so you resemble Brad Pitt more than you.
A pro headshot photographer is just that, not a studio portrait guy. Those pictures look wooden and cheesey. A pro knows what the current format and style is. Expect to pay around $300. or so, not counting reproductions. The resume is simply a good quality paper without wild colors or patterns that states your name you act under, the education you've had in acting, the jobs you've had -I keep a separate resume for my commercials- and lastly, what "special talents" you have. ie, Dancing: two-step, ballroom, tap...diving...horseback (I have gotten jobs with that) break dancing, swordfighting, whatever...
After that, look for talent agencies on the net in the nearest large city, and send the ones who look legit your headshot/resume with a cover letter explaining that you are currently seeking representation in that market and would like to set up an appointment to meet and if mutually agreeable, signing a representation agreement. Don't sound desperate or needy, just cool and professional.
That's it!

Sorry if I sounded mean, I just worry when someone starts out saying they want to be famous. I would NEVER recommend acting to that person.

Best,
Taylor