Worried Teenager

[charlotterose]

Hi,
I am currently represented by the book casting (www.thebookcasting.com) which is an agency for members of Playbox theatre. I have been with them since they opened their books in October but have not even had an audition yet. I know that I can't expect them to be very frequent but is this normal? I payed £186 for Photos and a page on the website and will have to pay the same again probably when i re register, but i had to pay extra for a copy of the photos, which i found odd as well, although I do get 3 workshops throughout the year (I have had 2- one with actress Sinead Keenan and one with Fiona Kelcher BBC Radio). I don't know what to do and I have to re register in October, but I was wondering what anyones opinion on this is. Should I stay or try and find other representation? Bearing in mind I live in Warwickshire which is about 2 hours from London (Give or take) Would I be able to FIND anyone that would take me on? Does anyone know of any midlands based agencies.

Also, I am getting braces soon so would it even be worth finding representation because rarely do you see anyone with braces on TV and i also have 'Period look' which might be odd as well. Has anyones DD/ DS had any luck with jobs with braces? I know it sounds strange and petty but i am concerned about this.

Thanks a lot
CharlotteRose (and mum )

[Coco]

Hi Charlotterose, I have a teenage daughter myself, and I know from experience that it can be quite hard to find work however good your agency is,( or how talented you are) once you don't look like a little girl anymore. Often because of licencing and chaperones etc, those casting would naturally prefer to use a young looking 16 + as it frees them up from all sorts of complications. That's not to say you couldn't get any work, just that there will be far fewer opportunties. I don't know how old you are, but once you are 16 it can be easier to get auditions.
Regarding your agency, I don't know anything about the one you are with. For all I know it may be good. However, I personally would not pay to join an agency at all ! There are sooo many really good agencies which do not charge anything for their representation, that I can't see what you would gain from it. My dd for example is with an agency called Abacus. They are well established, have a good reputation and importantly they do not charge anything to represent her. The only cost is for the photographs and for the standard cost of inclusion into the Spotlight book, which is used by all the other agencies and casting directors. So it is a very good book to be in !
Regarding your braces, I don't know if it would put them off too much. There are alot of teens wearing them in kids shows, but If you ever got a major part in something they could always pay for you have them taken off and re fitted if they really wanted you to be braceless ! My dd has just recently finished a course of Invisilign, which are they clear removable braces. This had the benefit of meaning that she also didn't have to have any teeth extracted. Her teeth are lovely now.
Good luck and good wishes

[charlotterose]

Thank you so much for your advice Coco, it has really helped me! Ithink I may look around for a different agency. Thanks again,
CharlotteRose

(oh, and i am 15 so that may be why)

[pg]

Hi charlotterose

The hard truth is that there are not that many jobs! Those jobs that are available tend to go to those with experience. You may do better to look for opportunities for amateur/youth theatre work close to where you are so that you can keep your acting muscles in good shape and build up your CV/experience. At 15 it will be unusual for you to be called in for work ahead of those who are 16 plus.

There will be very few opportunities for theatre or corporate work for someone of your age - most of these jobs will go to those who can commit to working full time. There will only be a very limited number of film/TV opportunities for someone your age, sadly. There are not all that many opportunities for those aged 16 plus either!

It may not be your agent's fault, but it is definitely worth you making an appointment to see them and talking about your career and what you can do to increase your chances of being seen. Ask them what you have been submitted for and ask for their opinion on trying to get a showreel together etc. If you've had no auditions at all, then a conversation about why this might be is not an unreasonable thing to ask for. Personally, I would avoid any agent that charges a fee - but I know that there are differing opinions on this for children's agencies. It's certainly worth looking around at other agencies before parting with any MORE money! Have you approached Celex in Derby? I know they have lots of Midlands actors on their books, though they are principally an extras agency (don't know how much acting work they get for clients - if any).

Good luck!

[charlotterose]

Thanks pg, you always seem to have the right answer to peoples questions, I was thinking about doing some Exras work and now I'll deffinately look around!
I do a lot of theatre work anyway so hopefully I'll keep doing that and see what happens in the future,
Thanks again,
CharlotteRose