Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 12/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi! My name is Amie Bush and I wrote to you over the summer. Let me just go down memory lane for a little bit. When I was little, I wanted to do everything my sister did. She took gymnastics, I took gymnastics; she loved ice skating, I love ice skating. The only thing is when we "both" loved acting and then she suddenly didn't anymore... it stuck with me. I wanted to be an actress ever since that moment. I made a promise to myself that I'd get in this industry before I turn 16; anyway with acting or music and then in the future switch gears over. Now I'm 16 now and will be 17 in april and I feel time is running out. My parents don't truly get how badly I want this even though I have so many books on acting and told them many times. I've been in school productions before many times, even choreographed some numbers in them. In my whole life I've been in a total of 12 productions and only had one role. The rest has been ensemble. The only other big thing thats happen to me is getting the chance to be a dancer in the capital one bowl all american halftime show that is on abc. I want this more than anyone can possibly know. I'm not trying to make this sound bad when I say I know I have the talent, but I know I do. Many probably think that fame will happen instantly and for some it might, but its hard work that I've been ready for my whole life. So could you give me every tip you could possibly give me to help me pursue my dream. * I don't care if its 1 or 100 pages long I just need answers.
Thank you sooooo much,
Amie

ANSWER: Hi Amie,

I read your letter several times, but I never did see where you said you took acting classes. You did mention the productions, which is great, but did they teach you acting or just have you learn lines and rehearse? While "doing" is a great way to learn, there is the part that I guess you could call "theory" -which is learning the inner workings of human behavior -the "why" we react to each other the way we do, and how to "listen" with our eyes, ears, body and mind. You have to learn how to take what you read on the page of a script and understand it and take it inside you and make it your own. A good teacher can take you and pull things out of you with their techniques that will amaze you. I had a teacher that could get you so involved that you would literally start crying when you felt what the character was feeling. You have to be able to get to all off your emotions and not give a damn how you look doing it. Some of that you pick up over time spent in classes. I know that it took years and years, but finally, one day I just "got it" - I understood acting and how to just "be".
I'm not going to say that I don't have to practice anymore...no way. But now I know the basic road to get there, and with a little effort, I am where I need to be with just a little work.

I am curious what you meant about your parents not feeling how badly you want this. What does that mean in reference to this?
Do you wish that they understood you, or do you mean they won't let you take classes? Will they not give you a ride to classes, or will they not PAY for classes?

This may be a bitter pill, and I know you are young, but is it that they won't pay for classes? If so, had it occurred to you yet to get a part time job to pay for them yourself? If your parents see that kind of dedication, maybe they would help out later. They would definitely respect your commitment if you didn't expect them to foot the bill.
Yes, it would cut into your free time to be with friends, but that is what is called "sacrificing for your art".
Sandra Bullock was interviewed a while back and she talked about how she had been a waitress while taking classes in New York and trying to get acting jobs...it was a longer story, but the important point was she didn't get to be glamorous back in the day, she was dedicated and worked hard to make it. If you want this it may take working to pay for classes and headshots on your own and not depending on your parents (or anyone) to give you anything.
I am not trying to sound harsh, and for all I know, your parents may not "let" you get a job right now, but that is RIGHT NOW. You may have to be 18 to do this, but if you want it badly, you will find a way.

When I first started acting, I can remember going to my day job, then stopping by the plasma clinic afterward to sell my blood plasma for $10.00 to $15.00 twice a week (big needles) and then eating a Taco Bell 79 cent bean burrito for dinner. I had one set of "audition clothes" a blue knit shirt and khaki slacks that I wore ONLY for auditions and then wore my badly worn "regular" clothes to work. I didn't want the audition clothes to look worn at all and they were a store brand that looks great as long as you didn't wash them! I would go to an audition in reg clothes and change for 15 minutes to audition.

I hope this helps you decide how bad you want it....
Best to you,

Taylor


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for writing back. I want to get all the facts out. I do have a job and I do pay for the things I want. I pay for my dance lessons each month and I pay for my voice lessons over the summer. So I do know the meaning of a dollar. My parents have paid for stuff in the past but now its time I guess for me to start learning how to pay for the things I want, which I'm fine with. I just can't get them to understand how important this is to me and how badly I want this. They don't think its possible and I should stop living in a fanasty world sort of deal. They aren't bad all the time but in times like deciding this sort of stuff they can be not supportive. My location might have something to do with it. I live in Wingdale, NY. In order to travel to a grocery store, its a ten minute trip. To travel to a walmart its 25 minutes and its in connecticut. Its a long drive to go anywheres. My dance studio is about 25 minutes away, so I think my location could have something to do with me not being able to take acting lessons but I have always wanted to. With what you said about I'm not trying to sound harsh, I know you aren't. You are just telling me the facts and I'm fine with that. Also when you said I hope this helps you decide how bad you want this, I know I want this more than anything. Everything my sister use to do, I would too. When she wanted to do the acting thing, so did I, but then when she didn't want to do it anymore that wasn't the case for me. I wanted to keep doing it and I knew I never wanted to stop. I know about sacrificing for things that you want, cause I have before. The saying I can't... I have rehersal or I can't... I have dance applies to me. I know I never want to stop and I'm always going to be chasing this dream. I was wondering if you could answer some more questions for me...
1.) Do you have anymore advice for me?
2.) Do you have any suggestions for the lowest priced headshot place?
3.) Do you have any suggestions on acting classes in Poughkeepsie, Ny or near Wingdale?
4.) Can you have braces and still make it into the industry?
5.) Do you have any inside tips that could help me?

Thank you,
Amie

Answer
Hi Amie,

Sorry for the delay. Things get crazy at times, especially near Christmas....

I am glad to hear that you are self-sufficient in regards to your craft. It feels a lot better to be able to say "I did this on my own" than to say that "someone paid my way". I will tell you a truth here that you need to hear, Amie. That is: sometimes, no, most times, you will find that you have no one but yourself believing in you.
That is one of the hard things about acting. I have dated and lost many girlfriends over the years, because they wanted a more financially secure man to go through life with. At first they were excited and proud of my being a working actor, but when the tough times came, they left.
I had to keep my head up, lick my wounds and forge on. The only person that I can think of that has to believe in you besides yourself is your agent. If they don't, you won't have much luck. But then, if you HAVE and agent, chances are that they saw something that compelled them to sign you up in the first place.

While I'm on that subject, let's talk about what an agent doesn't do. I was at my agent's house for our annual Christmas party and had a rare chance to sit with her and a few others and talk over drinks. She brought up the subject of dealing with people in the business and among others, talked about actors and how she doesn't have the time or desire to "hold their hands" and calm their fears and insecurities. Us actors can be a needy lot. Its part of our makeup. If we shunned attention, or were satisfied with "normal" amounts of it, we wouldn't put ourselves out there, front and center on stage or in front of the cameras, for all to see. Remember when you get an agent, that it is NOT THEIR JOB to be your shrink or "best friend". It is, however, important to be friendly to everyone you meet and not talk "smack" about anyone. You never know who will repeat it with an acknowledgment to you!

To your questions:

1.) Do you have anymore advice for me?

I try to give specific advice to questions, so please read this column to pick up other advice tidbits!

2.) Do you have any suggestions for the lowest priced headshot place?

I am only able to say for my area. That is one you have to find on your own. I can say that you need to find someone, ideally, who can bring out your personality as they shoot the pics. It takes a lot of shots to get one "perfect one". Have them assist you in choosing one, or better yet, (this is a RARE breach of normal etiquette) drop by an agency and ask if you could get their professional opinion on which shot(s) to use. They know their stuff and will be flattered to be asked, usually. Also, they might bring up the subject of your representation...just don't put them on the spot by asking them. Not cool. You COULD say something like: "What other agencies would you recommend submitting to, besides yourself?" That wouldn't be too pushy. Courage is good, but they don't like having to tell someone "no thanks!" to their face. Ask actors where they went and check the phone book in the nearest city under photography. Ask if they do headshot photography. Agencies usually have lists of people they know do good work.

3.) Do you have any suggestions on acting classes in Poughkeepsie, Ny or near Wingdale?

Again, a scouting assignment for you. There are some big schools in New York proper, but they might be a little too heavy for you right now. The smaller ones are a good start and let you make mistakes (necessary to growing) and not embarrass yourself in front of more influential groups. That is the risk you take with casting director workshops; you gain knowledge and they get to see you, but while you shouldn't take one hoping to be "discovered" you WILL be remembered for what they see, so be GOOD!

4.) Can you have braces and still make it into the industry?

Of course you can! I asked my late acting professor and film veteran, James Harrell, the same thing back in college. He said: "They need everyone in films and plays. Movies and plays are a representation of life and people in that life. Not all of them look like models". Often times, the person the casting finds most interesting is one with a crooked nose or lopsided grin or odd teeth instead of perfect. Maybe someone who has worries and life etched into their face in the way of wrinkles. You're fine. In fact, they may be looking specifically FOR a girl with braces. You never know.

5.) Do you have any inside tips that could help me?

Many things come to mind, but a nugget for today: Don't wait for signs of success to invest in your career. Spend the time and money TODAY to get prepared, so you are ready when your big break comes along. Too many actors are lazy or afraid to spend the money on classes "if it won't pan out". What kind of attitude/faith is that? That just means you aren't even on board completely with your dream, right?

They don't wait for you to get better. They just hire the actor with the goods that can shoot tomorrow.

Best to you!

Taylor