how do you get discovered by an acting or modeling agent if you live in Maryland?

Question

i want to be an actress but all the casting websites require credit cards and money to get those auditions location and contacts. does any one know a good way to get discovered basically with no money required, cause i have a very limited budget.

Answer 1

No reputable agency asks for money upfront.

You need to get a professional headshot, a resume, and possibly a reel together. You then send it to various agencies. FOr you, you can send it to your local agencies.

You can also use the phone book to look up agents in your area. Call them and ask them if they have open calls for actors or ask them how you should submit yourself for possible representation.

Once you get some local representation, they should be able to get you a list of SAG approved agencies in larger cities like NY and LA. You can also purchase such lists from stores like sam french (I'll link to it).

Remember, no agency should EVER require you to pay them money. No SAG agency can teach classes to you without violating their status with SAG.

An agency can recommend that you take acting classes and can recommend new headshots and set you up with a photographer, but the money should not be going to the agent.

Answer 2

Any casting website or agents that ask for money up front are scams. I don't know where in MD you live, but in the DC metro area, there aren't really many agents - just casting directors, who don't take your money, as they are paid by the producer.

Check out the following casting companies: Carlyn Davis, Pat Moran and Associates, Sandy Stern Casting, Central Casting (extra work), Besty Royall Casting.

One other good thing to do is to take acting classes - you'll meet other people like you and can share information, and you'll have a teacher who can offer advice. In the DC area, check out Actors Center.

Answer 3

Are you performing anywhere the agents can see you in perform?
If you are not performing, they can't see you!

If you are a minor, an agent cannot work with you, unless your parents sign a contract, for you, to work with a talent agency.

Here are are Screen Actors Guild Franchised Agents for Baltimore. Mail your headshot/resume to them.

Your resume must include all of the plays in which you have performed, as well as, any skills you have, tennis, swimming, tap, ballet, sing, accents, dialects, juggle, violin, piano, guitar, etc.

Also, your age, height, color of hair, weight, and all of the acting schools you attended..
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The Bullock Agency
5200 Baltimore Ave. - Suite 102
Hyattsville, MD 20781
Tel: [phone]

Kids International Talent Agency
938 East Swan Creek Rd. - Suite 152
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Tel: [phone]

Taylor Royall Agency
6247 Falls Road,
Baltimore, MD 21209
Tel: [phone]

Answer 4

You may be able to get a start by checking out ongoing gigs on Craigslist. It can also help you to make some money while you're still looking for a good agency.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tlg/index100.html

Answer 5

Agents don't cost. They take their income from the jobs they get you.........anywhere from 10%-20%. RUN if an agent wants to charge you.