Talent agents? How can I find one in Kansas?

Question

We live in the Kansas City are, my 11 yr old daughter would like to act and/or model. Can anyone suggest a reputable talent agent?

Answer 1

Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas State? Your question title says one thing but the body says another so I guess I'll try to answer both?

Kansas City, Missouri: The closest agent who are SAG Franchised are in Chicago.

Kansas State: The closest ones are in Colorado

My advice if you want to find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can also subscribe to Ross Reports on their website but in your location it may not help you much. If you're willing to travel however, you would have much better luck in CA, NY, IL & FL. Some talent agencies also handle models, some don't.

You send them your daughter's headshot, resume and cover letter stating that you're seeking representation (for commercial, theatrical, modeling, or whatever it is that you are wanting an agent for) and you wait to see if they call or write to say that they're interested. If after 2-3 months you haven't heard from anyone, you send photo postcards with a new headshot of your daughter on one side and an update with what your daughter is doing now on the other (a new show she's in, a new movie she just finished which is about to be screened - and they're invited to attend, or what have you...)

For modeling; Try starting here for basic info but honestly for a child model I think a talent agent with a modeling department would work out better but everyone has their own opinion and it depends on how you feel when you meet the representatives as well:
http://www.fordmodels.com/main.cfm - click on ‘global scouting’
http://www.elitemodel.com/flash.html - click on ‘be discovered’

Your daughter should be in acting classes. Training is always important. She needs to be working on improv, scene study, on camera work, etc.

If she doesn't have any experience, she may need to build a resume before getting an agent. Get her into some theatre productions, some student films, spec commercials, anything she can use on a demo reel. Check out backstage.com and do a casting search. The initial search is free, but you have to pay to see all the info. You may be able to see enough to get the rest on your own through an internet search however they may not have much going on in your area. actorsaccess.com is another good resource, again depending on how much they have in your area... it's free to set up an account and free to see the information, but it will cost to submit your daughter for auditions electronically. HOWEVER, some casting directors will have the option to mail in hard copies so in some instances it won't cost you anything. They also have an option for unlimited submissions for a year if you subscribe to showfax, but it may not be worth it if there's not much in your area or whatever are you're submitting in.

Good luck!