"How Much Does it Cost to Start an Acting Career?"

I am very thankful to have had a mother who, when I asked questions, would immediately respond, "Go to the library and look it up." She wouldn't yell. She wouldn't be curt. She just knew that she had to prepare me for the world and her methodology was to make sure I was sincere about my pursuits and would follow through on what I desired for my life.

Now, you can tell it was a different time. When I was a teenager the Internet was something only Captain Kirk had access to and it wasn't called the Internet at that time. I would literally walk to the library and look through the periodicals for the reference to where I would look for my answer.

Unfortunately, even with the advent of the internet, you will get bogus information about careers in entertainment (by the thousands). But, here's a rule of thumb. If someone asks you for money to get your acting/singing/voice over/dancing career started or makes the statement "I can make you a star" RUN! Do not worry about hurting their feelings. Because what they are planning for you is going to hurt much worst financially, emotionally and (depending on their level of insanity) physically.

Times have changed since I took my first seminar in 1983 as a high school senior. I found an ad in one of the publications I had gotten from the little theater group I volunteered with and was ready to jump in head first. I was finally going to get my break!!

The organization was called Faces International and although they charged a fee, I rationalized it to my mother by pointing out they offered a seminar, on camera audition training and head shots. Normally she would have had me use my paper route money. But, since we were new to California, I did not have the cushy job I once had when we lived in Indiana. It would be on her dime. So I had to make sure it was a legitimate operation and she needed to talk with people before handing over her check.

I think I (my mom) invested at least $200 in that project. And for all intents and purposes, it was a good experience. The classes helped me get rid of some fears about being in front of a camera, there were quite a few people in the class who were older than me (so I felt safe) and I had my first experience with getting head shots taken.

Currently there are agencies and even photographers who offer these types of packages. But, if you are just getting started, you need to know what an agent is looking for or what the production calls for. So, you really shouldn't get head shots or anything else until you start working. I know that sounds upside down. But it's the truth. This business can be costly depending on what you want to do. But it will be an investment. So be prepared for that.

One year to the date of my high school graduation my mom passed away after a lengthy battle with Lupus. Not only did I sideline my acting, I dropped out of college. I know she would not have wanted me to do either of those things. But, I was barely 19 and an emotional mess. Therefore acting took a back seat to my pity party . . . but not for long!

Fast forward to 1993. I was fresh out of the military and ready to feed the bug again. I began by revisiting the junior college in my area. I focused on getting an Associates degree in Mass Communications (radio/TV broadcasting). I choose broadcasting because it allowed me to understand aspects of the world of entertainment I had not considered as a high school student. The Mass Communications program (now the Film and Television program) at Solano Community College (SCC) in Fairfield, CA introduced me to script writing, vocal techniques for radio, script analysis and understanding the various areas of media. Also, being less than an hour away from San Francisco, I also received audition notices, newsletters and (most important) seminar information.

My first seminar was at the Beau Bonneau studio in San Francisco. It was, to this date, the best seminar I have ever had. I'm sure that's because I was in total awe of being there and it was all fresh. But, I still tap into my memory reserve to recall lessons I got directly from Mr. Bonneau. After almost six, very interesting years in the military, Beau helped me figure out how to smile again.

After that seminar I decided to throw my hat in the ring and try to find an agent. Do you know I had the nerves enough to use my 1983 head shots! Yes I did. Guess what? It worked.

I got a call from BOOM! Models and Talent for an interview in 1995 (the year I graduated from SCC). Through them I booked commercials, voice over, television, film and stand in gigsfrom 1995 to 1998; when I relocated to Texas.

Back then to get seen by an agency you would need to send them a photograph of your face and a full body shot. Your grandmother could take this picture. As long as it was a true picture of you, it didn't have to be professional. That still holds true today.

But, where as it seemed to be a very easy process in California, it wasn't so much in Texas. It took literally 10 years to get representation in Texas. So, understand the demographics of areas where you will live and if you want to continue pursuing acting once you move. I almost lost hope. But, in the 2 years I have been with my Texas agent I have booked several commercials, a speaking role on Jerry Bruckheimer crime drama - with credits, a speaking role on a movie (also starring Jason London and Louis Gossett Jr) - with credits and some voice over gigs.

Here are the steps to getting an agent in 2011 -

1. Find the websites of talent agencies (not to be confused with CASTING agencies) in your area.
2. Check their page for SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
   Follow their requirements
3. That's it! But, here are several things you SHOULD NOT do when it comes to finding an agent.

• DO NOT contact an agency until you are ready and have studied the craft.
• DO NOT send your information to an agency and then call them every week to check on the status. If you do not hear from them in six months (yes, I said MONTHS) keep taking classes and resubmit.
• DO NOT call an agency asking for a list of classes. You can get those resources by Googling/Bing/Yahooing the words ACTING CLASSES NEAR (your city here).
• DO NOT show up at an agency thinking you will be discovered.
• BELIEVE THEM if they say they are not representing new talent!!! Unless Angelina Jolie is your 1st cousin and has called in a favor, thank them for their time and move on!
• Be as kind as you can to the office assistant because she has more power than you could EVER imagine!!!
  Again, do not give a dime to anyone who suggests they can make you a star. You already shine brightly in the eyes of someone who cares about you. And trust me, they want you to be safe and happy. So, learn this craft if you desire it to be your career. It's up to you to know as much about it as humanly possible so that you can make rational decisions about your future career.

BAL!!!