I am an actor in LA. I have had the same agent for 15 years. How often should i be auditioning theatrically?

Question

I hardly ever go out on theatrical auditions. Is this because there aren't very many parts for my type or because my agent doesn't have great connections? Should I get a new agent? Should I go talk to agents at other agencies to see what they say? SHould I talk to my agent and ask him what to do?

By theatrical agent, I mean film & tv.

Answer 1

You should absolutely set up a meeting with your agent. We don't know your type or the roles that are out there for you or lack thereof so it's hard to speculate. Sometimes clients have been around for so long the newness has worn off and even they forget that you need to be 'retyped' every so often. Maybe you can discuss how your agent sees you and what roles each of you see you playing, your headshots and whether or not they represent that vision, maybe it's time for new classes as well to get a fresh perspective from new faces or even a new lok for you! Don't go dumping your agent until you've talked with him or her. If you two don't see eye to eye, then it may be time to thank them for their many years of partnership with you and that it may be time to part ways but you hope you can still be friends. Just don't rush into that decision! Getting a legit agent in LA can be tough and you have one. Work that relationship first!

Don't forget not to leave everything to your agent. You should still be pounding the pavement too. What about using actorsaccess and backstage to find indie roles and such? There are still things available with SAG waivers, etc. Show your agent that you haven't given up and are still building your resume. Do theatre and invite casting directors to come see you perform especially ones you know like you and always give you a callback. They just haven't found the role for you and they might see something when they watch you perform on stage that will spark their interest for a certain project. Hang in there, you can make it happen!

good luck!

Answer 2

I assume yuou are happy with commercial and film auditions?

So why not discuss this with your agent and if he says he doesn't like to work in that area or he doesn't have the connections, then ask him if you could go get an agent just for theatrical roles.

Answer 3

Talk to your agent. Every actor is different.

Some audition daily, some, a few times a month, some once a year.

One must remember, you can only audition for a role if it is RIGHT for you. You can't audition for the sake of auditioning.

Talk with your agent, perhaps it's time to find another agent that needs your type on their Client list.

Answer 4

Changing my answer:

If it's been 15 years with the same person and you're not going out very much, obviously your career is not the top of their priority list. Time to find a new agent who's willing to work as much for you as you are for them.