Most Actors seeking representation are unaware of the requirements they need to land a significant Legitimate Agent. There are so many talented, BFA- and MFA-trained young actors who think it’s easy to get into an established agency and get a “cast.” It’s not. Unless you have a close friend or relative in business (and even they will tell you you need CREDITS, CREDITS, CREDITS), you are not ready to be represented until you have built a substantial resume! It’s a catch – you can’t go audition and WORK on all the big shows unless you have an agent and can’t get an agent until you’ve worked.
Which is the answer?
The first is the long term – Spend time, pay your fees, and build your resume the old-fashioned way – WORK for it. Meeting (or paying to meet) an agent before you are ready is a waste of time and money.
This is what is expected of a top agent to handle it.
At least ONE major credit in ONE major market.
THEATER: A lead role in a well-known classic or modern play in a major company of LORT A, B, C representatives, such as Blanche in “Streetcar Named Desire” @ The Guthrie, Edmund in “King Lear” @ Syracuse Rep, Abigail in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” in Seattle Rep or a solid supporting or co-starring role in a legitimate “out of the ordinary” production. A Broadway credit, of course, would be the best.
TV – A recurring, supporting, guest, or featured role in a primetime series, such as a featured character appearing in 1 or 2 scenes on Ugly Betty, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, or a recurring or contract daytime player / role in a day. series, All my children or Days of our lives.
MOVIE: A co-starring, supporting, or “featured” role in a feature film alongside “names / stars.” Even a network commercial will give you some “credibility”. (There are exceptions and the standards may be a little less stringent for a legitimate LA agent. They are looking for actors with more TV / film experience, so theatrical roles might not have as much weight in their assessment of you.)
Why do you need one of the above?
Because any of these credits will have earned you a hefty paycheck, given the status of a major player, and is a “handle” for any Agent to sell for future roles. That’s what agents do: they sell to YOU.
If all you’ve done is showings of new and unfamiliar plays or student and “indie” movies – those credits you’re so proud of that you think are “really cool” – you don’t have much to offer a student. established agent. They already have tons of clients with more experience and CREDIT than you, and they are out of work. Don’t be depressed. You have to start somewhere. But agents need to see potential AND current revenue / bookings to feel confident representing you and most importantly to get your 10%. Can you BOOK an important job? You’ve done it? Keep going, keep training and keep developing. To persist. But have a “realistic” view of your current professional “state”. You don’t need an agent until you have something to sell – your credits.
Other possibilities:
1- Find a younger Agent who has just franchised and is just filling their list. They are the best people to approach because they are developing just like YOU. You can build your careers together and it won’t matter if you don’t have the aforementioned heavy duty credits. If they like you, they could work with you!
2- Hire a CAREER COACH who can create a marketing plan, prepare for your office interview (if you can, you could get someone to represent you!) AND CALL a top agent who might want to “give you a chance” . It’s always smart to “get to the point.” You will save yourself several years of struggle.
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn