Helpful advice about agent?

[LilyCat]

Hi there, I'm new to this forum
Just as a bit of background, I'm 18 years old and have wanted to act since I can remember! 3 years ago I managed to get into the books of a part teacher part agent, for the first year I just did drama classes so she could train me before putting me in for auditions. It was all going very well, she would find a small job or something and I would go along for the experience. One problem she said she had was finding suitable roles for me, as I'm half chinese half white, so I don't really look of any particular ethnicity!
Anyway, about half a year ago, she stopped putting me up for stuff and whenever I would ask if something had come up, she would make more and more elaborate excuses. I thought it might be because she thought I wasn't good enough, so I asked and she immediately denied it. I understand she is very busy, she represents a game of thrones actress, but I haven't even heard from her at all in the last 3 months and she controls my spotlight page. Any thoughts on how I can get to more auditions? Should I contact her again or just forget it and go to auditions on my own?
Thank you for reading this, sorry it was so long!

[eok101]

I think I know who this agent is, could I PM you?

[pg]

I would advise looking for another agent if she is not putting you up for anything - that sounds totally unsatisfactory . I find it hard to believe that there has been nothing for which you could have been submitted, even it's commercials or role play or T.I.E. Are you still in education? If you are then it is more problematic as you are now competing with adults who are free to attend auditions at short notice and can be available to tour etc.

At 18 though you need to be thinking about what you hope to do in the future. Are you planning to try to make a career as a professional actor? If so, might you consider further training at drama school?

http://www.dramauk.co.uk gives a reasonable overview of training available.

Do you have any paid, professional credits on your CV? As an adult actor the rules for Spotlight acceptance are different, though I'm not sure at what age you come out of the children's section.

Alternatively you could look at those agents that have both children's and adults sections and those that have young adults' sections (I think Abacus is one such - there are probably others).

You will now be in competition with adult actors - and there is no denying it is tough. Your ethnicity could well be a help rather than a hindrance when looking for representation - even if your look is not specifically Chinese. It can be useful to have a "hook" when approaching agents, something that makes you different from other applicants. It doesn't mean that getting jobs will be easier, but agents may have a reason at least to consider you if they have no-one else with your look or ethnicity.