Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 7/12/2007

Question
Hi, my name is Breanna and I am 16 years old. I live in MN, near Minneapolis. I heard that is a big city for commercials. I have been in over 5 plays, and I love being on stage! I think I want to start on stage, then move up to the screen if I can. Can you give me an estimate on how much an agent and headshots would cost? Where do I go to get an agent? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Breanna,

Sounds like a plan! Stage trained actors always seem to gain respect over just film. You will have to learn the difference in acting styles as stage is "bigger" than film acting in delivery. Instead of projecting to the back rows, you are speaking in normal voices on film because they use microphones that pick up EVERYTHING, so you must behave more like real life...with exceptions. Those being things like: how to cheat your face toward camera to be seen...learning how NOT to blink when doing a close up...learning how hit your marks...learning how fast you can pick up a telephone...how to "hit" someone without actually hitting them...etc. There are many things on camera that are different but look "right" when filming. Classes on acting for the camera will teach you that.

Agents do not charge fees to represent you, they take a percentage of your paycheck when you finish a job, usually 10-15%. NEVER pay an agent anything to represent you! That is what the scammers do! AGAIN, a real agent takes a percentage after they get you a job and they collect the check and send you the rest! So, no jobs, they get nothing!

A headshot session currently runs about $300. here in Texas, should be about the same in MN. There is reproduction fees to make copies, which can be fairly high (around $250.00 for 200 color copies) but, a lot of agents submit electronically, which saves copies! You need headshots of course to GET an agent!

As far as your stage career goes, you will need to make a decision on which way you will go. Chicago or New York. Another route is also getting a drama degree from college to further yourself in the field. Years ago I worked with Meg Ryan on a movie (I played her big brother) she, like a lot of actors, started out on soaps. In fact my old friend Krista Allen played a character named Billie on one of the soaps for years. It's great training (especially for learning roles/lines quickly)and great exposure.

Hope this helps!

Taylor