Expert: Rusty Meyers - 9/19/2007

Question
i just got out of college with a degree in computer-based recording. while i love music and want to do a career in that. i would like to also act in a few t.v. shows or movies.

since i was younger a lot of people told me i was very good at making people believe what i wanted them to believe.

i know once you get out of college only things left is broadway, off-broadway, and film (i consider both tv, movies, etc.) i played in two plays only in college and loved so much that i'm salivating for more parts! it was so much fun being another person that i really want to do more acting. i'm more into t.v. and movies, but i'll do anything as i'm interested in acting in general.

my question is this:
what do i do to act in a movie (i dont care if it's low budget or whatever) or a t.v. (preferably) or off-broadway-- or anything?

also:
how do all these actors meet all these directors/actors get their work and find out about all these tryouts when they first start?

i saw paul giamatti in singles in a very forgetful role with only one line "do you mind". i won't mind even that.

Answer
Well depending on where you live is going to determine what your options are.
It sounds like you want to try NY, which is of course most of the "real" theatre is.
There is also a lot of films and commercials shot there too.
Your first step should be taking some acting workshops with someone reputable, and they should all have credits that you can find somewhere other than just on a personal webiste.
I always suggest that people look up EVERYONE albiet a coach or director or actors that make claims to have done this or that, and if they can't be validated on the website imdb.com then odds are they might not be telling the truth.
Taking workshops and getting involved by doing showcases certainly could help you meet with directors and agents and casting directors.
Audit a few workshops (they should be FREE) and talk with the actors in those workshops to see what they have got out of it.
If you haven't done any film or tv, I suggest checking out your local (if you have one) film commision, they usually have a hotline in every major city.
Do some extra work, get yourself some experience on a set, to see if it's something you want to do.
Certainly auditioning for everything you can for is helpful in getting used to auditioning.
Don't go out and get pictures taken unless you know what you want to do first.
If you can get some for under 300.00 that's ok but don't spend anything more than that.
If you have ANY connections in the business start making some calls.
NEVER pay ANYONE upfront for ANYTHING.
Agents only make commission from you AFTER you book a job through them ONLY.
They shouldn't take anything more than 20%.
Managers are a different story, but they too shouldn't be paid a dime until they get something for you.
Be careful and good luck, I hope this helped.