Getting an agent

[Somedayemma]

I really want an agent, but have no idea how to get one. I am curreny just emailing loads of well known ones, most want people in the spotlight directory but that costs loads of money - is it worth it??

What agents are you at and how did you get a place?

[pg]

Hi there!

How old are you? What kind of experience do you have? This has a bearing on the answer!

[Somedayemma]

I am 15 years old and have only ever done theatre - jacksons lane, the barbican - nothing on the west end (apart from a couple of unpaid appearances on nickolodeon's the crunch and BBC red nose day sketches)

I am currently taking drama gcse and have attended some open castings and am a member of the young actors theatre. I

Thanks for the help

[pg]

Hi there !

15 is a tricky age to get an agent as you would still need a licence to perform but 15 year old roles are often taken by those aged 16+.

Spotlight entry is likely to come after getting agency representation if you are a child (and is only possible as an adult if you have accredited training and/or suitable professional, i.e. paid, experience).

I would suggest getting hold of a copy of Contacts and ringing a few children's agents to ask them about their submission procedure. Normally they will ask you to send your CV and a photo by post or email. The hard truth is that they will receive dozens of submissions every week so there has to be something special about you to catch their interest.

Are you hoping to make acting your career? If so, it is probably worth looking at www.ncdt.co.uk which gives general advice on drama training.

You could also look at part-time theatre schools that have agencies attached -- but do post any names on here to see whether anyone knows anything about them before parting with any class fees!

A good agent will want to see you (and will probably want to see you perform) before taking you on. Any agent who does not want to interview/audition you is very unlikely to be able to represent you properly. Don't pay any money up front to an agent - they should earn their money from commission on any jobs you get. You will need to pay for your own photos and Spotllight entry (and most agents expect their clients to get Spotlight entry) but you shouldn't have to pay anything to your agent.

If your long-term aim is to work as an actor, then I would suggest continuing to get as much amateur/youth theatre experience as you can and consider training post 18.

I'm very busy at the moment working on two productions (hence answering this at 6.45!) but if you think I might be able to help with any more information, please let me know and I will try to look at the forum every couple of days.

Good luck!

[Somedayemma]

Thankyou so much!! That's a great help. I turn 16 in 5 months so may leave it until then.

At the moment I am trying to make a showreel but haven't been on tv since I was 11 so don't really have anything to put on it! Haha

anyway thankyou so much for all the time and great advice Xx

[puck]

Although you are 16 in 5 months you will still need to be licenced to perform until the last Friday in June 2011.