What is the best way to break into acting on the East Coast?

Question

My friend is trying to become a model actress. She is 5'2" tall so she gets a lot of doors closed on her for model work. Also she goes to a gig list page that I don't trust. She took a day off work to go to "an agency" in New York and they wanted a down payment of $200 for pictures and etc. Can anyone tell us the best way to approach this?

Answer 1

hi. i think she should really do her research before she pays for anything. there are a lot of agencies out there and she should really shop around. i good source to look at is backstage- this is a newspaper for actors. there is ton of info in there, castings, and information about different photographers. i suggest she first take a beginning acting course, and then try to audition for local theatre roles once she has some preparation. that is a good way to start. headshots are good to have as well, but prices vary so much, but just tell her to be careful b/c she can get ripped off. i think a $200 down payment seems a little expensive being that it is only a down payment- meaning what is the total? over $500? be careful , it is way too expensive. when i first started i got my headshots for $150 with a professional photographer in nyc so please ask her to look up backstage newspaper so she can see all the different options she has.

Answer 2

Models in the fashion magazines are represented by these agencies. The minimum height requirement is typically, 5'8" for a professional model in NYC. Some agencies may have a petitie department. The top models in NYC work for the following modeling agencies:

Click Model Management, Inc.
129 West 27th Street, Penthouse
New York, NY 10001
Women's Division [phone]
Special Sizes [phone]
Runway [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Wilhelmina Model Management
300 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
212-253-88844
http://www.wilhelmina.com

Elite Models
404 Park Avenue South, 9th Fl.
New York, New York 10016
Telephone: [phone]

Ford Models
111 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10003
212-21906500

IMG Models
304 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor
New York, New York 10010
http://imgmodels.com/contact.asp

One NEVER pays an agency. The agency pays the model. If the agency "likes" the the model, the agency pays for all test photos, etc. At 5'2" tall, It is unlikely a professional modeling agency, that represents high-fashion models, will represent her, unless they have a "petitie" division. She should still submit her photo to the agencies and see what happens. If the top agencies won't represent her, she should try another career, otherwise, she will only find "scam agencies" that will ask her for money and not do anything for her. She should mail a photo to the top agencies Iisted above.

The publication Backstage cannot help your friend, disregard that information.

Answer 3

I've heard that the New York Film Academy is really good. You can take an eight month acting for film course there, it's sounds like it is really great I actually want to go myself. Their website is www.nyfa.com. Good luck to your friend :)

Answer 4

Don't expect miricles, start local and build a resume. Then work your way up. Community events and theater is a good start

Answer 5

just get work online at www.baajaa.com

it's free

no "agents"

Answer 6

become a waiter.