Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 9/24/2007

Question
Hi,
I can relate to some questions asked here before. Like: am I too old to start acting carrier? Some say - you are never too old! But the question is - HOW DO YOU START? WHERE DO YOU START? In this day and age it seems all to be about who you know! I imagine, you can't just show up in Hollywood, work nights at McDonalds and go for auditions during the day. What if you don't know any big shot producers or directors or casting people? You might even have a better chance to end up raped and killed by some psychopath or end up in free porno shots doing that. And, above all, if you are not very rich and just can sit in some hotel/motel in CA or NY or spend thousands of dollars on portfolios and such. What do you suggest? Yes, school might help, but those are pricey too, and you kind of start from the bottom and might never be able to get a break. as I looked at auditions, IL is an option for me.
I pretty much have no clue how this all works. What is your advise?

Answer
Hi Jolita,  I think the big answer for most is you start where you are by being in school and community theatre plays. Indeed, it would be foolish to go to LA with no preparation and try to get into acting.  One of the things actors do in preparation is to take professional acting classes which allow them to network and infiltrate the business and get known by producers and directors and casting people and also by marketing themselves.  Also that is what agents are for.  Achieving that level of an acting career takes a long time.
You have to have a flexible "day job" in order to be an actor.  There are expenses for photography and printing, although digital cameras and computers and printers are making it possible for such costs to become minimal. I never advocate school over experience. A person can get all the basic preparation and even their first breaks into the business in many other cities than LA & NY. Chicago, while not my favorite, is one of them.  Write to me at kencosp@aol.com and tell me your age and city and I will see if I can be of further help.
 I look forward to hearing from you, Doc