My 14 year old daughter is really into acting. She has done many local/community theater, church and school play productions. Last year she was even a top ten finalist for a triple threat talent search in New York. And, for the past 12 wks we drove her to Boston for film acting classes.
What a took a long time to say was should we try to look for an agent in New York, or what should our next step be? She has experience and talent, but in southern vermont, its hard for her dreams to come true.
Any advice is much appreciated!

If you are serious about breaking into the NY market, you really need to be closer to the city. We are currently interviewing with managers and agents, and one of the first questions asked is how far you are from NYC and how quickly you can get into the city for auditions, etc. Often, calls come in at the last minute, so most agents and managers don't want to deal with anyone more than 2 hrs. out.

Look for Nancy Carson's book "Raising a Star". A lot of Nancy's kids are from outside the main markets, but they travel in for the important auditions Your daughter's age will make it difficult for her to break into the business right now, unless she's tiny and young looking for her age. It sounds like you're both doing everything right. Keep up with the dances and classes and there are some great intensive camp programs in NYC as well. If this is her dream she can use the next few years to build a great foundation and when she's older she can move closer to NYC or LA, and she'll be in great shape to pursue it.

There is also some great summer stock (and some Equity) in Vermont that you should look into for her. As AutmLvs said 14 is a tough age no matter where you live - even if she looks younger. Gather credits (student films, continue community theatre), read up as much as you can, and do start sending out hs/r to agents in NY. Even if it doesn't work right now you're laying the groundwork for her when she can be closer to the city.

Good luck!

I did read "raising a star" several months ago and found it helpful.