Teen acting?

Question

Hello.
I've been interested in things such as acting and modeling for a good while now. However, I live in a small, rural place and the one bit of interest I got from an agency - was expensive. (You know what they say; if it costs, it's fake.)
Any tips on how to get my foot in the door?
Also, I am kind of shy in that area, which would inhibit any potential acting. Does anyone have advice for me on how to overcome this hindering shyness?
Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes, if an agent tells you they charge a fee then they're no legit. Unfortunately living in a rural area does not bode well for big dreams, but it depends on how far you're willing to travel and how far you are exactly from the nearest mini mecca of filmmaking.

First things first, get training. Acting classes, voice lessons, dance classes. Get involved in all things acting that you can, School plays, community and regional theatre, whatever you can. Through all that, you should be taught techniques for stage fright. If that's not enough, there are books with techniques as well as online guides. I'll put links below. Once you've built a resume you can try to get an agent presuming there's anything remotely near you.

If you want to find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.). Another great resource is Ross Reports especially because they update their info so often but not all of the agents they list are SAG and you have to pay for the list. That doesn’t mean they’re not legit, but that’s why I always tell people to start with the SAG list. It’s free and those agents have signed an agreement to put the actor first! www.rossreports.com If you subscribe to backstage.com you can get a combo subscription which can come in handy but can also get quite expensive.

Then you can send the agencies your headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview. You never call the agencies directly. That is a big no-no! At least it is in LA. Please remember that reputable agents take exactly 10% of your pay AFTER they help you get a job. Not one cent more and not one cent before. Anything else is a scam. This is strictly for talent agents, not modeling agents or talent managers who take different percentages.

Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance / commission / society or whatever your state calls theirs (some have more than one). Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre (and other auditions on backstage), you can go to backstage.com or www.actorsequity.com (click on casting call) If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying. Depending on where you live, the state film alliances, etc. may be your greatest resources as well as local universities that have film programs. Get into those student films!

Good lucK!

Answer 2

I would see if anyone in ur community does any Play. See if u like it. If ur anywhere near a city or cultural center check the newspapers for auditions and such. Just get out tfher and try to get some experience. Any Questions or Comments. Just drop me a line. [e-mail], or [e-mail]

Answer 3

Try out for a show! Most likely, you'll be cast as ensemble (which is just as important as the rest of the show!). Throughout rehearsals, you'll get used to being up there, and by opening night, you won't even notice the audience.

Answer 4

It is hard because of where you live, but I would advise you to work hard on gaining experience in any way you can. Even if it is doing research on the internet to find out if that is what you want to do in life.
If it was truly meant to be, sometimes life will steer you in that direction.

Answer 5

if your going to do a play the night following you should stand up on the stage, have a bunch of friends a family sit in the audience and just do your parts for them, they could tell you what you need to work on, and it helps a lot for stage fright!