Acting agents in America?

Question

How important is it to have an acting agent for theater work in the US? In the UK, you must have an agent to get any sort of paid work, but I've read that only film and commercial actors in the States need agents. What's the deal and how does one go about getting an agent in the States? Also, can an actor work around the country even if their agent is based in New York, for instance?

Answer 1

You can definitely start without an agent and you can get paid doing non union work, though it will not be as much and it is less likely. Without an agent you will likely do student films, Indies that are non union, theatre (usually not paid, but some are paid), etc. You can still do unpaid work with an agent, especially if it's something you and your agent agree would be a good move (a role that would be good for your reel or a specific person that would be good to work with, etc.). Yes you can work anywhere in the world with an agent regardless of where they are based. If you book a job that's shooting on location in Hong Kong, that's where you go. However, you may never be seen for a job casting and filming locally for instance in Hawaii. They may only be seeing people in Hawaii for a film shooting in Hawaii because they want to avoid travel expenses and per diem costs.

For theatre, it's my opinion that you don't necessarily need an agent but once you get to be a certain caliber performer in that realm it can certainly help because not every casting will go out to the general public.

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 look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.). Another great resource is Ross Reports especially because they update their info so often but not all of the agents they list are SAG and you have to pay for the list. That doesn’t mean they’re not legit, but that’s why I always tell people to start with the SAG list. It’s free and those agents have signed an agreement to put the actor first! www.rossreports.com If you subscribe to backstage.com you can get a combo subscription which can come in handy but can also get quite expensive.

Then you can send the agencies your headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview. You never call the agencies directly. That is a big no-no! At least it is in LA. Please remember that reputable agents take exactly 10% of your pay AFTER they help you get a job. Not one cent more and not one cent before. Anything else is a scam. This is strictly for talent agents, not modeling agents or talent managers who take different percentages.

Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance / commission / society or whatever your state calls theirs (some have more than one). Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre (and other auditions on backstage), you can go to backstage.com or www.actorsequity.com (click on casting call) If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying.

Good luck

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Hi My cousins an actor in the usa he's been in college for 2-3 yrs then when he got gd an agent assigned him trying looking up websites

Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

I don't know where you read what you read. Agents are very important in the US for actors to get stage work. To best learn how to get an agent, read Brian O'Neil's "Acting as a Business" a bargain on Amazon.com.

Answer 7

Dont know look for a usa agent i searched this site u might want to join www.mandy.com

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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