At what point do you need to find an agent?

Question

When getting started in acting, at what point should you try and get an agent? What items (headshots, resume, etc) should you have prior to making contact?

Answer 1

As with most questions related to acting as a career, this one begs another question: what KIND of actor do you want to be?

I've been a theatre professional all of my adult life, and, with the exception of one brief -- and unpleasant -- period a long time ago, I've NEVER had an agent. Fortunately, in the world of the legitimate stage, actors can still promote themselves for jobs and auditions without the need of intermediaries.

However, if it's your intention to go the film/tv/commercial route...yeah, you're gonna need one. Photo and resume is really all you need...but having those things doesn't mean that it'll be easy for you to make contact with them. If you have actor friends who are currently represented, ask them to introduce you to their agents. Do "mass mailings" to all the agents in your area, and follow these up with phone calls (personal visits are discouraged).

If you can get yourself cast in a show, invite agents to come see it (as your guest, of course). Back in the day, this is how agents and casting directors used to find fresh new talent. I don't think it really works that way anymore, but it certainly couldn't hurt your cause to let them know that, even without their assistance, you can find work for youself as an actor.

Answer 2

You need a good agent as soon as possible. They are the people with the contacts that will get you work. You will need a b/w 10 by 8 portrait photograph and a showreel will help you too. Your resume should list all relevant acting experience.

Answer 3

When you're making enough to make it worth their while. An agent gets 10% so if you're already making $10K a year you are worth $1K to them and they can probably double your income and make $2K for themselves. They handle 25 people like this, they making a good living.