What does an agent do? do i need one when i start my acting career?

Question

im thinking about acting but i want all the details first before i start anything

Answer 1

First of all, an agent will find acting work for you. You don't pay them. They get paid when you get paid. Finding one shouldn't be your first priority. You should get some training and experience first. To get an agent you'll need a resume and headshot. A resume will only come with experience. A headshot is a black and white portrait of you taken by a professional photographer. They're not hard to get but they do cost money. I went to a professional and after he took the picture he put it on a cd and I took it to a professional printer and they made lithographed copies of it for me. You'll need a lot...I got 500 made up and sent them to my agent and she sent them out to casting directors along with my resume.
Before you do any of that, look into taking some acting classes and voice lessons if you can. If that's not available to you look into doing community theater or school plays if you're still in school. Even though they aren't considered professional theater you can still put it on a resume. If you audition for plays and don't get cast, that's ok. Tell the director that you're willing to do other things for the show, like work on costumes or with props. It's important to be a part of a show even if it's backstage. I am a professional actor and that's how I got started. Please be patient. It's not going to happen overnight. Stick with it and learn what you can. Also, it's important to be someone that others want to work with. That means being helpful and courteous to others. I know that might sound hokey but it will get you far if people like working with you. The more you're seen at the theater working on things the more likely you will get cast in a future production. I wish you the best of luck.
Ron

Answer 2

Absolutely. The agent knows the casting people, and gets you auditions. Start acting now, join local Little Theater and do school plays, whatever you can. You also need head shots. The agent will refer you to the right photographer so you don't scammed or ripped off.

Answer 3

An agent helps get you auditions and introduce you to producers and directors. Before you even get an agent, you need to create a resume, do a couple of theater auditions, and go to acting school. Yes you will need one when you start, but not right away.

Answer 4

Sammy is pretty close. You need an agent when you have enough experience and attractiveness for him to market. You start your acting career in school and community plays.

Answer 5

My agent chuckles when I say this, but think of them as your pimp. They are contacted by someone who wants a particular type of person/service, and they send you out as a possibility.

Or--a casting agent contacts the talent agent and requests a particular type of actor for a project, and the agent sends out a number of people who match the description for the audition.

Answer 6

First off, you'll need to get a photo of yourself, print your name, DOB, contact number, and what you are seeking on the back. Mail it to an agency. I want to get into acting too, so I've researched a little. Hope this helps. Just to let you know, very few people get into acting big time. So, think to yourself and ax your friends and family if they think you are ready for this commitment. I'm still contemplating on whether I want to pursue my dream or not. Once again, I hope this helps. ♥