What's the process of getting an agent?

Question

If I'm 15, and want to go on acting auditions, what's the process of getting an agent?

Answer 1

First you have to have the training and the resume to back you up because any agent worth his or her salt won't take you without that. You also need your parents unconditional support because you won't be able to do anything without them.

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

Marianne gave you a great answer. Reality check time. You don't have a chance. Forget it. They almost invariably hire an 18 year old to play teens. Child labor laws. You don't have any experience or training and you'd be competing against people who do. (School plays don't count) If by some miracle you did get an agent you'd never book any jobs because you wouldn't be adequately prepared. It takes years of training to even consider going out for professional work. Learn now while you're young to not have delusions about what you can accomplish.

Answer 3

You have answers from two of the most experience answerers at Yahoo. I agree with most of what they say, but I go one step further. If you are interested in working hard for a long time to get ready for an agent, I can help. That is what I do, I mentor aspiring actors for free. Click on my name, read my profile and write me at my aol address for more info.

Answer 4

It depends on the procedure in the city where you live.
Each talent agency has their own method for meeting prospective actor clients.

Ask your actor friends the procedure for where you live.