Why do I feel this way(Agency)?

Question

My cousin use to be an actor, and she said that if I get headshots she will give it to her agent. Then I could meet him and he might represent me. But, the thing is that I have a awful feeling because it doesn't seem like I worked for it while other great actors out there work their butts off. I don't have a lot of experience other than acting classes, drama classes, and one play. My cousin was also represented back then when her acting coach introduce her to this agent when she had no experience. What do you think I should do? Thanks!

Answer 1

Honey, it's called an industry referral. Take it. Just because you get a referral does not mean the agent will take you, it just means they will consider you instead of throwing your headshot right in the trash. If you impress the agent they may give you a shot. If not, you're back to square 1. No agent.

While you're in classes and if you get into any other shows (btw you should always be performing!) always network. Make friends, talk about agents and who's signed with who. You never know who will be your next referral somewhere.

Add to that resume! Get in more theatre, student, grad & indie films... anything you can. Look at backstage.com and actorsaccess.com for auditions.

good luck,
Marianne

Answer 2

You got some good advice here.

Keep taking your classes and trying to perform and get as much experience as possible, so that you have things to report to people.

One more thing. That one industry referral is great, but if you really want to become an actress, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Become proactive and not reactive. Make your own things happen and don't always wait for someone else to refer you to an agent.

Here on this page link there is a list of 17 things you can start to do to take your own destiny into your hands: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/how_to_become_an_actor.html

One last thing. There is a book that you could pick up that will help you prepare for the agent interview. It's called: Acting As A Business: Strategies For Success by Brian O'Neil.

Good luck!

Tony

Answer 3

No that's how it works.

An INTRO is the best way in.

BUT you better MEASURE UP to that intro

You better be professonal at least with a professional attitude.

It doesn't matter if you can't pass the audition (well it does, but it doesn't). What matters is you show up 15 minutes early, you know your sides, you look and smell good and you give it your best shot.

That's ALL any agent expects of an actor.

And REMEMBER some ACTORS got picked out of a crowd and become bigger than those who went to school.

Sean Connery was a truck driver. I don't think he ever attended Julliard or the Actors Studio.

Candace Bergan didn't. She used to be so flustered on the set as the "ACTORS" whould talk about their experiences with Lee STrassberg or someone at Julliard and SHE never too a lession in her life. He dad was a HUGE star ventrilloquist and THAT got her inside!

And she GOT her own TV SHOW! And she's good. She's a NATURAL.

Answer 4

Do it if you are interested. It's ok to have an "in"- show business is anything but fair. You just have to take whatever contacts you have, and use them in a positive way.