Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 9/26/2007

Question
Hello,

I am a 24 yr old latino female.  I've been acting all my life in community shows, school shows, and most recently in short films and videos in college (not that i have any real proof of this since i didn't get copies).  I've gotten extremely positive feedback from professors who've worked in the industry as well as fellow students.  I currently have a stable 9-5 job, but can't seem to get the yearning for acting out of my system, no matter what i try.

I've recently enrolled in a serious miesner technique acting studio and have been asked to join as a full member.  I'm working on the craft, but i need to know, what should my next step be?  I have no headshots yet (but i've consulted with a photographer that I really like), and i know that this is a crucial step.  I have no reel, and am obviously non-union.  how do you recommend getting experience as a new comer to NYC?  mandy.com/student films?  Since i AM 24 the clock in my head is really starting to speed up...I'm even considering leaving my current good, stable job in order to pursue the only thing that has ever really mad me happy.  Any advice on  how to start from where i am would be much appreciated, including how to get an agent, and when to start trying for one.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Sarina,

This is the kind of letter I love.
I too well know the pain of working to pay the bills while following your passion.
If you never try it, you always wonder. If you give it five years and it doesn't show success, you can pickup on the 9-5 again.

At this time, you need to get your headshot done. It's good that you have a photographer that you get along with. A good repoire with the photographer is crucial to the session's success. I can't stress enough to get the best shot possible...its your business card -the first thing they see of you. While its okay to airbrush out minor blemishes, don't go for major "plastic surgery" with it. The picture must be a true representation of you on your best day.
Next, you should have enough experience and classes to put together a resume. Do not put anything but your name, your agent when you get one, and the education and the work.
When you do commercials, create a separate list and put on the main resume "commercial list available upon request".
NO HEIGHT, NO WEIGHT, NO EYE COLOR, NO MEASUREMENTS, NO AGE...get the picture? First, you're not a model and second, you don't want there to be anything that they can look at and reject you for. You want to get your foot in the door so they see what you can do.
Student films count as experience and extra work can count as well...just don't put down any modeling work if you want to be taken seriously.
Congrats on finding Meisner! Don't forget to study all approaches to help you "get" what it is we do!

Break a leg!

Taylor