How do I approach my parents about getting an agent?

Question

I really want to try to get headshots and eventually an agent. But while they're behind me (only about 35%, i think, maybe a bit more), they think it's not something that i will do for any significant period in my life. But i have had a good number of leads or supporting roles and i've proved that i can act and sing well. I just don't know how to ask them if i can audition for talent agencies. any advice?

oh, im only 14 and my relationship with my parents has been a tad rocky...not too bad, but i'm not open with them at all. they think i am, but i keep more things from them than i tell them.

PS.

i don't want to "be famous" like 85% of the other teenagers on this forum. all i want to do is perform, NOW, probably not as i grow up, if i grow up. i just need to get my parents to see it like i do. which, given, very few people probably do, but still, my point remains.

Answer 1

The best way to approach your parents is to be honest. First do the research to show them that you're not taking this lightly. You understand that this is a business and that it will take a lot of work and committment. You need to talk about classes that you'll have to take and the time that you plan to put into them as well as continuing your committment to theatre and adding the possibility of doing some student and independent films. You will need them to promise their full support because they will be your transportation, your contract signers, etc. They will be your soft place to land when you get rejected time and again or when you've had a hard day in class or on set. They will be your guinea pigs when you have a monologue to read or a scene to do.

It's time to grow up and be more open with your parents. They've been where you are in your life and like it or not they do know what they're talking about. Of course they're not going to let you go out with an 18 year old boy on a school night, but when you have a daughter would you? I don't know what you're keeping from your parents but remember that they love you and always have your best interests at heart. They want you to make good choices in life and have a good future... better than what they ended up with (in many cases any way). Trust them. Talk to them with respect and reason with them like normal people and don't be a whiny brat and they'll listen. Do your research and they'll see all the work that you've done and that it really means something to you. Tell them you'll save your own money for certain things... maintain a certain GPA, whatever it takes to get them on your side but hold up your end of the bargain.

good lucK!

Answer 2

Well if acting is what you want to do , something you love to do then you could try to tell straight up that you love acting and when you are on stage you feel like you are home or you could be really good do what they tell you and then when they are thanking you for what you'v done casually bring it up. if that doesn't work look online, search things. and you will eventually find, I have. you can also try these websites.

http://hollywood4all.org/ccc.aspx
http://www.actorspages.org/index.php
http://casting123.com/

P.S.: you don't neccesarily need an agent to find jobs there many other ways but an agent is usually the easiest

Answer 3

Agents do not charge money at all until they have booked you a paying job, at which point they will charge a percent of what you have made. Also, never never get a comp card until you have an agent who tells you to do so. The agent should never have an in house photographer that takes pictures, it is unethical and is against "policy". Comp cards from a non related company should charge a couple hundred bucks. Agents cost nothing until AFTER you get booked.

Answer 4

You only need an agent when you have got lots of experience in acting, and lots of experience means acting outside of school in things like youth theatre and going to acting classes. I expect that your parents know that you haven't got enough experience, and that an agent wouldn't be interested in you.

Answer 5

A talent agency wouldn't make you "Audition". Beware of Management companies. An agent represents you a manager ...manages you. They are different. You don't need a manager to work professionally, you do need an agent.

You need to bring this up as a matter of working professionally. If they're not for that it may take some talking.

Answer 6

Hey im 14 too...n i know how realtionships with parents can be...something i have learned about asking stuff is you should always know tons about what you are talking about...like in this case know like how much they cost...what they will do for you in the future and how like cheap they are...compare them with more expensive companies...take the first step of the head shots...then later on disscuss the agent...member your only 14 cuss my friend has an agent...but the thing is that she realllyy couldn't get anyone because she wasn't over 16...idk im not saying that you wont have good luck...because i wish you the best...theres my advice! =] good luck

Answer 7

hey . well if you really wanna be an actress . you should go for it and ask your parents for an agent or whatever you want ... you should ask the closest parent first then ask her/him then if they say yes ask the other. it might work . and you should always be open to your parents for anything you want or anything you need. think about when you were little and you wanted a toy or something and you asked your parents to get it for you. its just like that, ask them if you can get an agent for acting or if you want to audition for something . so GOOD LUCK ! and go ask them right now if you want :]

Answer 8

IM JUST LIKE YOU ! i'm 14 and today i ask my dad about getting an acting agent and all he says is that you have to be know like miley cyrus is because of her dad .. but i think you really need to give them a serious look and tell them that it's for real .. i told my dad that when i get my first grammy .. i will not be thanking him if i don't get an agent .. hahaha i hope your parents understand your serious and help you get an acting agent .. if they ask for more than 1000 dollars, it's a scandal .. good luck !

Answer 9

A:
Ask yourself if you want someone telling you everything he/she doesn't like about you, and saying that it's the PUBLIC who really doesn't like those things. Then this person will expect you to give them money to tell you these things, and expect that you will spend money to make correct all the things he/she has told you they don't like about you.

B:
Look up 'agents' in the yellow pages and choose the least-pedophile-looking one in the bunch and HOPE they don't ask you to remove your clothes for 'industry' shots (cause everyone takes them - how else will the casting agents know how you look unless they see your whole body)

C:
Prepare to say goodbye to your; friends, family, money, personality, life, boyfriends, girlfriends, pets, free-time, personal time, alone time, private time... etc.

D:
now - you have your agent, your dream - no money, friends family, privacy...

E:
now - imagine it's all gone - cause some random casting agent tells you that you are silly for trying.

or...
skip all that, and grow up, and get a real job.

not just ANYBODY can become famous - you have to sacrifice EVERYTHING.

-T.

Answer 10

Agents look for actors, that are performing, on stage, in theater productions.