Dear Amy,

Hi, my name is Elaine.  My dream is to become an actress. I told my mother that a lot of times but she doesn't takes it seriously. 

I am 14 years old and I am willing to work really hard for making my dream come true.  Please tell me a way that I can start making my dream reality. Elaine

Dear Elaine,

You might have to wait until you're 18.  Until then, get involved with everything in your school that has to do with Theatre/Dramatic Arts.  If you work really hard at it for a consistent amount of time, maybe your mom will see that it's not just a passing phase and get with your program. Good Luck.

Dear Amy,

What does it mean on the breakdowns when it says, we do not break top of show? Is that for credits? Mercy

Top of show is regarding the amount of money distributed to Guest Stars.  The Production Company has a set budget and they do not want to go over that to break their budget no matter how famous the talent is or what their quotes are.

Dear Amy,

I don't have many credits on my resume.  What should I do?

What you need to ask yourself is, if anyone were to turn over my picture and look at my resume, would they be engaged by my uniqueness to ask a question?  Never be ashamed of your accomplishments.  If you can whistle through your nose, write it down as a skill.  You never know what casting is looking for. If you speak languages, have unique dialects, play professional ball or have CPR training, write it down.  Anything that's special about you can get you noticed.  Focus on your Training/Special Skills section and beef up your theatre credits as much as possible.  If you are interesting, people will be interested.

Dear Amy,

How do I get out of doing extra work and get into principal paying jobs?  I feel like I'm a gerbil on a wheel that keeps spinning and I don't know how to get off.

First thing you need to do is get a job that's industry related.  This does not include extra work.  Then, go on as many auditions as possible from ads in nowcasting.com, actorsaccess.com, lacasting.com, backstage.com, periodicals and word of mouth.  Build your credits and your reel, and then look for representatives that believe in you.  When your auditions get in the way of your survival job, find a night gig and continue to work on as many projects as possible in addition to whatever you book through your Agent or Manager.  Always remember, your rep only gets 10% so, they only work 10%.

Dear Amy,

Should I join SAG right away?  I'm eligible.

It has always amazed me how freaked out actors are about getting their SAG card.  I do get it.  I really do.  However, do you realize how many wonderful leading and supporting roles you can play in Non-Union films?  Most of the "juicy" roles in union films go to name actors.  What better way is there to practice your craft and at the same time, gather up some incredible characters for your reel?  Not having your SAG card should not get in the way of you moving forward in your career. Look at the big picture. There is a huge difference in the term "career" and the term "job". A career spans a lifetime.

Dear Amy,

Hello my name is Mikilauna Walsh. How do I go about getting an acting career and what are Agents looking for in an aspiring actor or actress?

Hi Mikilauna.

An agent looks for many things from a newcomer.  If an agent signs anyone without credits, they look at their picture, training and special skills. The initial package has to be phenomenal!  The actor has got to be training with the best teachers and is currently out there auditioning to build credits and tape.  If you're 18 to play younger, you have a better shot at signing with a strong agency.  If not, it's a longer road, but not an impossible one.  With tenacity, experience and excitement, anything wonderful can happen.  Good Luck.

Dear Amy,

My name is Kayley Jolly and I am from Amarillo Texas. I am 13 years old, and my dream is to become a REALLY BIG actor, but nobody thinks I can do it because I live in Amarillo, do you think its possible? Also I would LOVE to take acting classes from you if I lived in LA, which is another dream for me, I love LA. Are there any tips that you could give me to help me get a job in LA or be noticed? Or any acting tips? That would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Kayley Jolly

Hi Kayley.

You need to hook into what is going on in Texas.  It might be a good idea to contact the film commission there to ask them questions about production companies and talent agencies in your area.  You can also attend local theatre groups to get some plays under your belt.  When you are of age, apply to a great drama department in NYC or LA and you can get your degree in the performing arts while at the same time audition for film and television.

Also, if you come to LA, I'd love to be your coach.  It truly is a full commitment and an exciting journey. Good luck.

Dear Amy,

I am writing to you with a question that I have been wondering about. I have been searching for an agency for a long time. I live in a suburb of Milwaukee County, and although Milwaukee does have many wonderful agencies, I still found myself searching elsewhere. I would like a response to this letter, negative or positive. Please get back to me with an answer as soon as possible, as my search for an agent becomes more intense.

Nicole Warshauer

Actress, age 14

Dear Nicole,

Unfortunately, unless you're in one of the major cities, there isn't much you can do.  My advice is to get amazing grades in school, work on your singing and act in local productions. When you're old enough, apply to a top school in a major city like LA or NYC.  You can also get into school by singing your way in and possibly win a scholarship.  That's what I did.  Good Luck.

Dear Amy,

I have an upcoming audition for the role of Sarah Good in The Crucible... should I go in as someone who has spent time in jail when I walk in the room. I am used to being friendly and out-going and then taking on the personality of the character once I sit in the character's seat to read with the reader or CD... so, what is your advice?? Thanks so much.

Victoria Spark

Dear Victoria,

It's important to take on the essence of the character from the moment you walk into the room, however they still need to know that you're not a psycho person. Their main concern is always, "Am I going to have to worry about this person on the set?  Will this person get me fired?"  Everyone in this business is afraid of his or her position and they’re always making sure their boss is confident that they hired the right person. 

Believe me, if you're doing your work to the best of your ability during the read, you could be chewing gum and whistling "On The Good Ship Lollypop" on your way into the office and it won't really matter.

Dear Amy,

First I would like to say that it is extremely good of you to offer advice to those of us who are acting challenged.  My name is Stacy, I am 19 years old and I live in the Akron area of Ohio. Since I can remember I have always had a burning sensation inside me to act. Acting was never a choice for me, though.  My father would say it's just a phase and I'll grow up someday, I've been in that phase all my life.  I am a manager of a Subway and I'm attending college to be a paralegal.  I'm not doing any of this because I want to; I'm doing it because I feel like I have no other choice.  My question being, how does someone like me, whom has neither money nor traveling time, even begin in the field?  I know this is something that I can do, and very well, all I need is the chance. Unfortunately, I can't find that chance.

Stacy

Dear Stacy,

It sounds to me like you do have a choice.  Why are you attending college and not taking any drama classes along with your paralegal classes?  If you're not making enough money at the Subway, then take on two jobs.  Do whatever it takes to get the training that you need to pursue your dream.  If this seems unrealistic, then wait until you graduate college, then move to an area where you can get a job as a paralegal while pursuing your lifelong passion.

Save your money and get on that bus with millions of dreamers like yourself.  Where there's a will, there's a way. Good Luck

Dear Amy,

My agent isn’t working.  What can I do to move him along?

If your agents aren't working, there are tons more out there.  Don't waste any more time on pushing crap up hill.  Get out that Agent/Manager book and start stuffing envelopes. Time is of the essence.