A
talent agent helps coordinate your acting career, and receives a
commission for doing so. Talent agents are required to get most
auditions in L.A., but they're usually not required to get auditions in
New York. Difficulty:
Challenging Instructions Things You'll Need:- Pagers
- Cellular Phones
- Headshots
- Photographers
- résumé
paper
- résumé software
Step 1 Go
to
your local theater arts bookstore and buy a directory of the local
talent agents. In L.A., for example, you could go to Samuel French; you
can also subscribe to the Ross Reports. Step 2 Look through the
descriptions of the specialties that agents cover, such as children,
models, character actors, leading women or leading men. Target the
agents who fit your type. Step 3 Find
out if any of your friends or contacts know the agents you're targeting
or are represented by them. Ask about their experiences, and ask if
they can give you a reference. Step 4 Submit your headshot and
resume to the agent, with a brief cover letter introducing yourself. Step 5 Follow
up with a phone call and a postcard. Step 6 Send invitations to all of
your performances to agents whom you have targeted. Step 7 Perform
in
a "showcase" (see glossary), but select carefully. Many showcases
involve a fee, so find out in advance which agents will attend. Step 8 Be
persistent but not obnoxious. Send postcards every two to four months
updating the agents on your activities. Step 9 Prepare
a monologue. When an agent calls you into her office, you will probably
be asked to do a monologue or cold reading. Dress in a flattering but
professional manner, and bring headshots and resumes. Step 10 Thank
agents
for interviews, and if they don't choose you this time around,
keep in touch and don't take it personally; they can only take so many
of each type of actor at a time.
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