Hello everyone i am new to this site but i have always wanted to be an actor and i don't know where to start, how to get an agent, and how to get in commercials and movies and stuff. I would love to be an actor but i really don't know where to start so could someone please help me and tell me what to do.
I live a half hour away from Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania if that helps at all and i am 16 years old.

hi
nice to meet you!

Go to the forums here that say
child & teen actors & New actors, once you are in there read everything
There is a very nice woman here who goes by the name "Mominbiz" read everything from her. be careful & make sure your parents are involved
Em

Aaaaw, thanks Em! Also check out all the info here by Darbi and Roz, as well as check out the Podcasts. Awesome information! http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/34910243/m/12710343

Thank you very much guys

It may be tough for you right now. Many productions would rather hire 18 yr. olds who look younger than 16 year olds (its easier for them becaue there arn't restrictions). Also, you are a distance from most auditions.

Spend some time building your skills and resume. Find the best classes you can take, try to do student films. Learn the craft. And good luck!!!

Triton, I am from Pitt and there are two reputable agents here that you can get a hold of. One is the talent group and the other Docherty. They both have websites. You can also get a hold of Nancy Mosser casting and Donna Belajac casting. They are not agents though, they just handle casting. I've gotten a lot of Extra work from them in the past. They also offer classes.
Hope that helps and if you need anything more let me know.

Well im trying to figure out how to build my resume. Ive taken some classes at a place called stage right in Greensburg,PA and about filming, I like video games but i always play a game called halo and i film with my friends online and make great movies. I am a great video editor and also made a video for my church for their camp in the summer time and they sent it to all these different churches but i don't know if that helps any.

Look in Pittsburgh CP, there are announcements for the student and indie films that take place here pretty much every day. Then get your info and head shots to the people I listed. You can hopefully start getting extra work and commercials that way.

Triton,

Start with training. Find an acting school or coach in your area or an acting program at a local college. If there isn't any classical acting training in your area, try Improv troupes. They often hold classes and it's another great way to get going.

If there isn't anything like that in your area, find a local community theater. You can start auditioning for upcoming productions or if you aren't confident enough to audition yet, go there anyway, start hanging around, volunteer for stuff, meet people, make some connections.

If you want to get into Video Game production then you may want to look for some type of voiceover training but even that starts with an acting background.

There is no single path to success as an actor but with determination, hard work and a little luck, you can do anything you set your mind, and your heart to.

You're in school, right? Does your school have a theater department? That's a great place to start and your teachers will likely know about the good resources in your area (agents, etc). And do check out our podcasts. You'll have a lot to listen to! You can find us in iTunes or on our website, everythingactingpodcast.com.