How to Find a Talent Agent
- Go to your local theater arts bookstore and buy a directory of the local talent agents. In L.A., for example, you could go to Samuel French; you can also subscribe to the Ross Reports.
- Look through the descriptions of the specialties that agents cover, such as children, models, character actors, leading women or leading men. Target the agents who fit your type.
- Find out if any of your friends or contacts know the agents you’re targeting or are represented by them. Ask about their experiences, and ask if they can give you a reference.
- Submit your headshot and resume to the agent, with a brief cover letter introducing yourself.
- Follow up with a phone call and a postcard.
- Send invitations to all of your performances to agents whom you have targeted.
- Perform in a “showcase” (see glossary), but select carefully. Many showcases involve a fee, so find out in advance which agents will attend.
- Be persistent but not obnoxious. Send postcards every two to four months updating the agents on your activities.
- Prepare a monologue. When an agent calls you into her office, you will probably be asked to do a monologue or cold reading. Dress in a flattering but professional manner, and bring headshots and resumes.
- Thank agents for interviews, and if they don’t choose you this time around, keep in touch and don’t take it personally; they can only take so many of each type of actor at a time.
- Persevere, and keep a positive attitude.
- Network, shmooze, meet people in the industry, and ask for help, advice or references. Who you know is very important.
- Never go to secluded offices, or other secluded destinations, unaccompanied.
- Don’t pay any fees up front; agents only get paid a 10 percent commission off your wages when they get you an acting job.
- Make sure any agent you target is franchised by the Screen Actors Guild. Call the Screen Actors Guild for details.
Additional Tips:
Warnings:
March 12th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Thank you!