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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/My dream
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Question
Ever since I could remember, I had dreams to become the world's most famous actress. But as the years progressed, my ability began to die down because of the fact that it may be seen just as a dream. But I am willing to move forward and go for what I want to do in life...and I want to start at an early age and work my way up during time. I am 12 years old right now and my dreams are still being put on hold and I want this more than anything that I have ever wanted before.I want to know how I could get an agent as good as the cast of High School Musical and Miley Cyrus's agent. I want to be starred on Disney Channel and have my own show.I want to have a show where singing, dancing, and acting are available at all costs. I want to know where to search for an agent and I want to know what I have to do before I start all of this: do I have to take acting classes or or anything else? Do I have to be experienced? And (again), how can I find and EXCELLENT agent?
Hi Samantha,
Miley Cyrus's agent is her dad, the once famous country-rock singer Billy Ray Cyrus ("Achy-Breaky Heart").
It's great to have helpful parents, isn't it?
When you have a parent in show biz, they can show you the ropes of who to train with, get their agent to represent you and steer you through the waters.
For you, yes, you need training in singing, dancing and acting if you want to be a professional who is hirable. Unfortunately, some people believe that all you need is looks to make it in show business, but that's not all you need. Also, when you visit California from wherever you come from, you are shocked to see how many beautiful people there are there! "A dime a dozen" would describe it. You need to be better than them at performing, or you won't stand out, won't make it.
Start taking classes Sam, and don't sweat the age thing. You're young and have all the time in the world to do lots of things...not just be on Disney.
Best,
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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