do you need to go to acting classes in order to get an agent?

Question

I am searching for agencies in the acting feild and it hit me: do I need to go to acting classes in order to get an agent. Are there some agencies that make it mandatory and some that don't? My main question is: do I need acting classes to get an agent?

Answer 1

Read the book "Ask an Agent: Everything Actors Need to Know About Agents" by Margaret Emory. Lots of good information.

Remember though, first and foremost, this is a business. Would you hire someone for a job without any training or experience? Some people post questions about how to get an agent and say things like "all my life I've want to be an actor" "I KNOW I could do it!" or "How can I get them to give me chance??". Here's a newsflash: Agent's don't care. They want to make money, therefore they are only going to sign actors that will make them money. How much experience and training you need really depends on the market (don't forget about look too!!!). In a competitive market like LA you can really forget about trying to get an agent unless you're SAG, have an awesome resume and have a great look ( and as someone mentioned above, a referral would help immensely as well). This is because agents in LA's are getting hundreds of headshots and resumes EVERY DAY.

In a smaller market, it's not going to be as competitive and what they're looking for might be different for each market.

To answer you question in a nutshell: yes, you should have some acting classes to get an agent. No agency that I know of actually states that it's mandatory though and if you have a strong resume with lot of experience in challenging, diverse roles, then a lack of training might be forgiven somewhat.

If that's not the case, unless you are truly, truly gifted (like Johnny Depp, who has had no formal training, yet is arguably one of the best character actors of his generation) and can somehow get an agent to see you in action, sending in an empty resume is not going to score you an interview.

Answer 2

Where To Take Acting Classes

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
do you need to go to acting classes in order to get an agent?
I am searching for agencies in the acting feild and it hit me: do I need to go to acting classes in order to get an agent. Are there some agencies that make it mandatory and some that don't? My main question is: do I need acting classes to get an agent?

Answer 4

Agents are difficult to come by as they usually take on clients only through referrals. You need a lot of experience to get noticed (acting classes really won't get you noticed) and you need to know the right people in the business. Unfortunately, the business is not really so much about talent but about who you know and what you are willing to do. Again, agents are very selective and handle only those individuals whom they feel will be able to consistently produce. My suggestion is to get as much actual acting experience as you can (community theater, school plays, acting workshops, etc.), and find someone in the business who might be willing to help you. Most never make it in that business and end up waiting tables forever. It's a very rough business full of rejection.

Answer 5

Well after you get an agent you will HAVE to take acting lessons to cry on que etc. but, unless your acting ability is awesome you may want a few classes under your belt.

Answer 6

A couple of your answerer have given, long very good advice.

You need to be in an acting class all the time until you have reached the point where studios are sending you scripts and begging you to do them.

More important, you also need to be in plays all the time unless they interfere with your professional work.

Finally, agencies who mandate that you take a class from such and such a school (oftern their own) are SCAMS.

Need more help with your career, click on my name and read my profile and send me questions via my aol address. I help aspiring actors for free.

Answer 7

No, you need a good resume and a little bit of professional expierience on your own before an agent will even consider you.