Getting an agent at 17..

[Zango11]

Hi everyone, so I've been having a look around this forum and pretty much everyone seems to have an agent here so I would love to hear some of your advice for getting one.

I've researched around 5 agencies and I'm going to submit my cv, photo and cover sheet to a few of them to start with. Is it true agents will not want to see me because I'm 17 and have no prior professional credits? I have done loads of plays/musicals and had speaking roles in around 6/7 of them and I've also done a bootcamp last summer where 3 west end professionals came and taught us and then we did a musical at the end, do you think they might want to see me because of this? I realise at 17 I'm regarded as an adult so I would be competing with adults but do you think I have a chance?

Also on the cover sheet should I mention the bootcamp to emphasise it? I would love to hear any stories you have about getting an agent or how your ds/dd got one
Thanks in advance:D

[pg]

I don't think anyone on here will be able to accurately predict the outcome of your applications. I think you are doing the right thing by applying and seeing what sort of response you get. You can also try to get some sort of showreel together as this can help agents in their assessment as well.

It doesn't just depend on your experience - the first thing they will look at is your photo. If they feel there is a gap that you might fill, they may be interested. If they feel that you have a commercial look then they may take you on.

A lack of professional credits won't necessarily matter - though of course professional credits do prove that someone in the past has been willing to employ you: it's a useful indicator of your likely future employability (no guarantee of course!). This is what an agent is interested in: they are running a business and they only earn money when you do. That is one reason why being close to adult age may be a disadvantage. Are you still in education? Are you available to take jobs whenever and wherever they occur? If you are not available at the drop of a hat, you many lose out to older actors who are trying to make their living by performing. If your experience is mostly in musicals and that is the sort of work you are hoping for then you are also in competition with fully trained actors. All of that might sound a bit negative, but I think it is useful to think about your career and job prospects from the employers' point of view - not from the point of view of your own aspirations. It can help you to understand and prepare for the way casting works.

Are you hoping to make this your profession? Do you have plans for training in the future?

[Caroline A-C]

Some of the agencies who specialise in children have a young performers section specifically for those out of licence between 16 and 21 - have you looked at those - think that Silvia Young has this and Jackie Palmer and think Mark Jermin does too. May be worth going down that route.

[Zango11]

Thank you both for replying! I have found a younger artist agency that accepts people up to 23 so I think I'll apply there first.

Thank you pg for your answer, it's very helpful! I do hope to make this a profession and I hope to apply for a few drama schools next year and if that doesn't work out I was thinking of studying drama at Uni while auditioning for short film roles as I think this will help my resume as it's currently all musicals You made me realise that agents also cast by commercial look, I had overlooked this and I'm quite worried as I don't think I look different from others that much as I have brown eyes and hair (the most common apparently) but this is helpful to know as I can try and find a way to look different.

Also do you think agents might consider auditioning me as I've had a little (very little I know) training with west end veterans? Obviously you won't know the answer but I love hearing your opinion as you know a lot more than me, I'm so greatful for this website as everyone is so helpful. Thank you very much!!

[pg]

Sorry, I've been away from the internet for a while!

I'm sure your training with West End veterans will have been useful and interesting - but, to be frank, I'm not sure how much value an agent will put on it. If you are looking at MT work then they are far more likely to be interested in those who have competed successfully for places on an accredited course and trained for 3 years. Even then agency representation is not guaranteed.

However, that doesn't mean that agents won't be interested. I think you just have to send your details in and find out!

I don't think there is all that much point in trying to look different - I think you simply have to be true to yourself and see whether "you" is what interests them. You could decide to shave off all your hair or dye it blue - you would be different, but it doesn't mean that an agent would take you on or that there would be all that much work for someone with a shaved head or blue hair. Even a far less extreme/more sensible change won't necessarily make you more appealing - I just don't think you can second guess what an agent will want/need.