Need advice, What should I do? Please help.?

Question

I am still a teen and want to be an actress by getting involved with an agency. The only problem is the agency has asked for me to audition for them, before they could represent me.

But my only problem is I have never auditioned for any agency before, nor have i had any practice or classes ( I am a beginner) and I don't know how the whole process works or what to expect.
1.Will they ask me questions?
2.What type of questions?
3.What should I expect from them the day they make me audition?

please help me with advice.

Answer 1

Be bold. Ask the agency what they would like in the way of audition material and the length of the audition. In other words, what are they looking for? Singing? Dancing? Reading? Improvising? Photo album? etc.

My 9 year old granddaughter just had her first Playhouse audition. I phoned the office, in advance, to get the details of what they were looking for. She got the part.

Now is a good time to take responsibility for your career, in the beginning, and learn the ropes yourself.

Jim DeSantis

Answer 2

If you are going to audition for an agency it is best to be prepared to do 2 contrasting pieces. By that, I mean 2 short monologues that differ in style (such as a short Shakespear monologue and something contemporary). One should be dramatic and the other can be a bit lighter (perhaps something comical). If I remember correctly, both pieces shouldn't be more than 3 minutes long. Also, when you audition you should have something to help you make the transition from one character to the next. It could be something as simple as a hat. When you finish with the 1st piece you turn around, put on the hat, turn back around and begin your 2nd piece. Make sure you have learned the lines without having a script with you. Also, get someone to help you pick your pieces and give you direction. Make sure that whatever you choose to perform, it's within your range of ability. If you have a speech coach or, even better, a drama coach at your school, he/she can help you. It's also important to find something to wear for your audition (not a costume). Make sure it's just regular clothes that are comfortable and memorable and also appropriate for your audtion pieces.

The questions they ask will probably be pretty general. "Why do you want to be an actor?" "What made you decide to become and actor?" "What are your goals as an actor?" "Are you interested in tv, film or theater?" "Do you want to do commercials or movies?" "What kind of training have you had?" "Do you have a resume?"
If you don't have a resume that's ok. Be open and honest with them and please don't be discouraged if they decide not to represent you at this time. They may suggest you get some formal training or at least some experience with community theater.
What you should expect from them is the same courtesy you give to them. Also, they shouldn't want you to pay them to represent you. They may ask for a small amount of money as a filing fee but it shouldn't be very much. An agency works for you. They find acting gigs for you and they get a percentage of that. Any contracts or paperwork should be reviewed by your parents and even better, a lawyer. It would be even better still if your parents were lawyers....but I'm getting off track here....where was I?....oh yes...
I have always been interested in acting. I took my 1st acting class in college in 1986. I was 18. I didn't get my 1st role until I was 32. I have since been in over 25 plays, 1 movie and I have done voice over for documentaries and I have directed several plays. I'm not getting rich or famous but I am doing what I love to do. That's what is important. If it doesn't work for you this time, keep at it and don't give up. Break a leg!!

Answer 3

Agents are usually, but not always, looking for people with some experience. So don't be upset if they don't take you since this will be your first audition with little professional preparation. Do what the others have suggested and ask what they are looking for. If you have some time before your audition, see if you can find an acting coach to work with. Plan on starting to take acting classes or private lessons and begin building a technique and a set of monologues you can use. Audition for local shows and start to build your resume. Then in a year or so, if the agency doesn't take you, audition again. The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be. As far as questions go, answer honestly and don't try to impress. They are looking to see if they will like working with you and if you are a real person.

Also avoid answers like: Because my mom says I'm a good actress. Because I want to look pretty on stage. I don't know because it looks fun. etc. I get answers like this all the time when I ask questions at auditions. Not good answers.

Better answers: I like telling a story and having the opportunity to communicate what someone else feels. I enjoy the process of developing a character and bringing them to life, etc...

Also....beware if the agency starts wanting to charge you expensive fees to get you started. If they require that you go to their classes and want you to pay for them, you're probably not working with a legitimate agent. If they suggest you go see someone outside their agency or someone else they work with, that's not a bad idea. You just have to be alert because there are some "agents" who really just take your money and put you in classes that they produce with teachers who aren't really skilled in what they are teaching. Trust your instincts.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

They going ask questions about yourself, the monologues you perform or songs you sing. (it depends on the type of audition) Just remember: They are looking for a specific person. If you aren't picked NEVER take it personally. Just try again. Taking acting, dancing and singing lessons will really help for the next time you audition!

Answer 5

Apparently you are NOT ready to get an Agent. Hon, call the agency and ask them your questions. They are auditioning you.

Talk to them!

Answer 6

get a monologue.