Where can i get an agent for theatre?

Question

i am hoping to be in Phantom when i am older and in many other shows and i was wondering where can i get an agent to help me?

Answer 1

The best place to look for agents is "Contacts", this is a book published once a year and it has a pretty extensive agents list. You can get in it most major bookshops.

Once you've found a list of agents, you would need to send a CV and headshot and accompanying showreel to their offices. A showreel is a dvd or VHS of work that you have done. This would need to be professional television or film work.

The only other way to get representation would be for them to come and see you in a theatre production, which agents rarely do unless you are at a major drama school.

I think the best way for you to per sue a career in acting would be to go to drama school. Some schools like Mountview specialise in Musical Theatre, if that's what you want to do. At the end of your course you would usually do a showcase where agents would be invited to see you.

www.ncdt.co.uk is the National Council for Drama Training and lists all the worthwhile drama schools- including musical ones.

PS Please be aware that the majority of good agents are based in London and no agent can charge you for being on their books- this is illegal.
Good luck!

Answer 2

To be honest, you're not likely to get an agent straight off. The only way to get an agent is for an agent to see you in something. But you cannot be in anything without having an agent. An irritating problem, ey? Well, I suppose, the solution would exist in drama or performing arts schools school. Perhaps, more importantly the latter for you.

If I were you, I'd go on 'http://www.drama.ac.uk/' and search your chosen field. This website has the most respectable of schools and will give you the best chance at getting into the industry. If a school is not listed on here, it most probably will do you no good (except education - but what is the education if you cannot use it?)

I would choose one that is most suited to your needs (go on each of the result's websites and have a look around - you will be spending years here, so make sure you pick the best one). At these places (the respectable colleges/universities), they have you do a final performance, in which you will be performing in front of a lot of agents, directors, actors and casting crews. Here is your chance to shine. This is where you can get a good agent.

Oh, and if you are lucky enough to get an agent without this (which even if you did, it would not be advisable), make sure only you are being paid. They take a percentage from your jobs and nothing else. This way they are forced to get you work (because they will not be making money themselves, otherwise). A lot of people make the mistake that you should pay your agent up front, or during your stay with them. You should NEVER pay an agent. I have spoken to so many people who have paid agents and later realised their folly.

It might be worth purchasing a book called Contacts (or Spotlight - i can't remember which), too. You can buy it from Amazon. Buy the most recent edition. It has a huge list of important business contacts and respectable agencies. So, if an agency is not in here, give them a miss. They are there to con you.

Be careful. There are plenteous frauds out there to get your money (because you are a vulnerable actor/singer/musician/performer). Lots of schools know that they can overcharge their students because they are desperate. Do not fall for them.

Answer 3

Go to drama school! I was sort of lucky enough to get offered my equity card in the 80's when I was just finishing my A levels and entered professional theatre without getting that line on my CV, as a result agents and casting directors have never taken me as seriously as someone with that bit of paper (even when they have little/no experience at all). So, don't try by passing the system, I don't think it works.

Answer 4

If you are not taking acting classes, enroll in a class.

You will meet other actors that can give you the best information on how to find an agent suitable for you, in your city.

Often agents have specific requirements about the type of actor(s) they represent.

Make sure you have a good acting résumé that will make an agent want to meet you.

Answer 5

First of all I would say it would be better to attend a Dramatic Arts School or College if you have little experince. If you don't, go straight for it!

To get an agent I would suggest browsing the internet for Agencies in your local area, or just looking through your local phone book.

Good Luck!