Question from an aspiring young actress...?

Question

Hey, I'm a young aspiring (and dreaming) actress. I've done theatre performances and such, but I want to maybe make it to the silver screen someday.

However, I don't have the foggiest how to go about that.

I've been reading books I've checked out from the library and they all give helpful advice, but they all talk about agents. I'm scared of an agent being a fraud.

So, my three questions in one:

- Any advice on how to improve?
- How do you tell if an agent is a fraud?
- Do you have any good references for finding open casting-calls (or something of that kind) ?

Answer 1

I use to work as a News Anchor, after being in the business for awhile, I wanted to make that next step to the top 10 market. I had the opportunity to go to New York and shoot a couple of things with the CBS Morning show. I pulled Hannah Storm aside and asked her what I needed to do, to get to that next step.

She told me that I had to have an agent. They do the leg work for you. You of course have to do most of the leg work, but they are the ones that will help get you the part and the money.

In selecting an agent you need to see their references as well. It's not going to hurt their feelings if you ask to see, who else they represeant. If they won't show them to you, then I would be a little leary. That is how you can tell if they are a fraud or not. I would start with an agent that only gets paid when you do. That should make you feel a little more comfortable. They are more inclined to help you find work, because that means they will get paid too.

If you really want to improve, take improv acting classes. They will teach you how to think on your feet, but you also get a sense of capturing your emotions to make them work for you. I took two semesters of improv acting and it even helped me when I was in the media.

If you really want to find open casting calls, you need to get your hands on a copy of "The Village Voice." That is a paper that they print in New York that will help you find some. Land one and get an agent and you are well on your way...

www.villagevoice.com

Hope this helps.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Answer 2

The best way to improve truly is practice. Do as much work as you can, and surround yourself with people who are good examples to you.

You can find representation in the yellow pages. Look under "talent". Or try MSN cityguides. You will need professional headshots (EXPENSIVE, but WORTH IT). Have these done by someone who specializes in headshots. Don't go Olan Mills or Sears and ask for headshots. You really need to cough up the dough and have great shots done. You will also need a professional theatrical resume. You can find templates and tips at http://theater.about.com/cs/jobs/a/aresume.htm

About also has some great audition tips and the like.

Once you have representation, casting calls will be easier to find. Call some local talent agencies and see if they can direct you to a website that posts local theatrical and performance opportunities. In Cincinnati, we have www.robbucher.com. You may have a site for your area.

And above all, good luck to you. I wish you success.

Answer 3

if you are going to go about getting an agent then you must be very careful...if the agents asks for money up front that is most def. a fake....agents get a certain percentage of what you make after they get you a job...but you can do this without an agent in the beginning...i mean you can only go so far but you most certainly can get jobs.....

castingaudition.com is a good FREE website

Answer 4

Take classes
Agents are generally not frauds. You can always ask for references from them, and then contact actors they represent. Without an agent, you will NOT act in movies.
Casting calls are advertised in local arts journals. An agent will know which ones if for some reason you cant find them yourself.

Answer 5

My picks are: Emma Watson Reese Witherspoon Jennifer Garner They all seem very down-to-earth, and Reese and Jennifer seem really dedicated to their kids. Emma Watson is on the list because she's intelligent and well-spoken, and has managed to not become completely screwed up by child stardom. She's not into wild partying anyway, we know that. XD If I was an actress and made it big, I'd hope to be like one of these three.

Answer 6

Find a reputable agent. Try reading the websites of already established actors, they sometimes mention their agents on there, but beware, the better the agent and the bigger the stars they represent, the more expensive they are.

Try to get your SAG card.

http://www.sag.org

Best of luck to you!

Answer 7

If you are a minor, you cannot sign a contract to get a Talent Agent, a parent must sign for you. Take acting classes. Your teacher will answer all of your acting related questions.

Answer 8

they are listed in the papers and trade journels