Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 6/27/2007

Question
Hi, My name is Nicole. I'm fourteen years old and for the past few years, i've been interested in becoming an actress. My dad is behind it 100% and is willing to pay and do anything to make it happen. I'm not really experienced with acting, except doing a few plays for my sunday school class. I live in Delaware so, theres not many things for me to do to help with my acting. Is there ways of becoming a new actress with not much experience? And if so, any tips on helping me become a better actress?

Answer
Hi Nicole,

If your fourteen, they aren't going to expect you to be Helen Mirren, but nonetheless, the nature of the "Biz" is that they are spending a lot of money on the project (film, commercial, play, TV show) and they want to get the best actress they can find for it. If you are one of the extremely lucky few, who have the ability as a "natural" actor, great! But I have met 1 in the last 20 years. Best advice is to not rely on being "the ONE", but instead, take classes to become the best actor you can be. That way, when they audition for a part, you will be the best they can find in the room!
I would start taking classes immediately to do that. In fact, even professionals, who are stars, take classes or workshops to keep their skills up. There are famous pictures of stars of old that you can find if you look for them. James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and many others are seen in their casual sweatpants or outfits, scripts in hand, working with their coach. (I'm thinking of the late Stella Adler's Actor's Studio in New York, in particular). Taking classes also exposes you to other actors who can share information on agents and teachers and projects with you. You also get to act more than you would if you only acted when you had an audition or role...that is the fun part anyway, the acting!
I also recommend you read every book you can find on acting.
The local library may have some for free, and you can go to universities and read there, if they don't have a book sharing program like we have here in Texas. I must admit, I have cozied up with a few books at Barnes and Nobles before on a cold rainy winter day and read them in one sitting...

General tip: Listening. Not just hearing, but concentrating on the words -the message- of the other actor.
Many beginners will whine: "I don't have many lines! I don't have anything to do in this scene!" WRONG! You have the most important part! Some of the best performances I have seen were very spare on dialog. In one case the camera is focused on the female actors face, while the male lead is telling her a lie about where he has been and how he feels about her. EVERYTHING is in her face. That's why the editing cuts to her face while he is speaking...we, as an audience, want to see her reaction to his lie. We already know what the deal is on his end, we wanna know what she will do! Will she cry? Forgive? Slap him?
This doesn't mean to twist your face up when he delivers his lines. That is BAD. All you need to do is LISTEN and BE her...let it sink into you, how it would feel if that boy you liked betrayed you and you knew he was lying. (maybe even that all your hopes for being with him were over).
ALL you need is to feel that deep down, as real as you can imagine it...and...do....NOTHING! If you are in focus with the character, your face will give away your hurt/anger/sadness...rage? And it will be honest and believable. Sounds simple, right? Trust me, doing nothing will be the hardest thing in the world! You will WANT to "do something" -act, it is second nature. It's like the common mistake in dating, trying too hard. You want it badly and want to be impressive...you can't help it!

Best, Taylor