Local agents
Moderator: busybusybusy
Local agents
After a long think about agents I think for now we will probably look at local agents as my DD loves school and all the things she does and the main agents are just too far away I feel at the moment. So if possible I would like some information if any about how to pick up local production auditions. musicals that may need children. She is in a show at the moment and I only spotted the theatre wanting children to audition by seeing it advertised on the web site. Are there any other ways that I could get information. She is loving every minute of the rehearsal process as it involves singing and performing which I am sure is what she wants to do. I'm not sure if she wants to appear in adverts etc. Are there local agents?
Re: Local agents
What area are you?
Re: Local agents
Is the work that she is doing paid work? Quite a lot of opportunities at theatres don't involve any pay for the children.
If there is no pay then an agent won't be interested - because they only earn when their clients do, by taking a percentage of the wage.
In general, the thing to consider is not where the agent is based, but where the work is likely to be.
You can get a copy of Contacts from Spotlight (or online or from a bigger bookshop) and see whether there are any agents in your area - but agents will expect clients to go to auditions for things like TV and will probably hope that their clients will go for auditions for commercials and photoshoots - because there is more money in it for them - and there are far more of those sorts of opportunities for children than money-earning theatre opportunities. The auditions for most jobs are likely to be either in London or in some other big city. You could certainly apply to local agents and see what they say - but they may not be interested in taking her on if you are only looking for local theatre work (because there is so little of it about that attracts pay).
I think you would probably do better to get on to the mailing lists of every theatre within travelling distance (it won't cost you anything) and keep your eyes open for events coming up that look as though they may have children involved - and then get in touch with the theatre and ask them. Quite a lot of theatres (especially if they are producing theatres rather than receiving houses) have educational/youth theatre sections and they quite often have interesting opportunities for children.
If there is no pay then an agent won't be interested - because they only earn when their clients do, by taking a percentage of the wage.
In general, the thing to consider is not where the agent is based, but where the work is likely to be.
You can get a copy of Contacts from Spotlight (or online or from a bigger bookshop) and see whether there are any agents in your area - but agents will expect clients to go to auditions for things like TV and will probably hope that their clients will go for auditions for commercials and photoshoots - because there is more money in it for them - and there are far more of those sorts of opportunities for children than money-earning theatre opportunities. The auditions for most jobs are likely to be either in London or in some other big city. You could certainly apply to local agents and see what they say - but they may not be interested in taking her on if you are only looking for local theatre work (because there is so little of it about that attracts pay).
I think you would probably do better to get on to the mailing lists of every theatre within travelling distance (it won't cost you anything) and keep your eyes open for events coming up that look as though they may have children involved - and then get in touch with the theatre and ask them. Quite a lot of theatres (especially if they are producing theatres rather than receiving houses) have educational/youth theatre sections and they quite often have interesting opportunities for children.
Re: Local agents
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Last edited by TomS on Tue Jun 24, 2014 10:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Local agents
pg is right, as ever - where the agent is is irrelevant. The work is the work and it happens where it happens. But - as Tom S says - the major commitment is to attending auditions, at the drop of a hat, usually (but not exclusively) in London. Mostly for absolutely no return on your investment of time, energy, effort and money. Not even a 'no, thank you' let alone feedback. It's brutal, but that's how it is.
Flo's agent doesn't send her for commercials, which cuts out a lot of very short notice calls, but she still has to commit to auditioning for other stuff as and when she is called and - if she gets the job, which is rare - she has to commit to doing it even if other things have to be put on hold.
Most of the work Flo does comes from her own networks that she has built up over recent years. Producers know she is reliable and what she can do, so they ask for her or look favourably on her audition, but she had to earn that respect and every time she is in front of a new casting director she is starting from scratch again. Woody Allen is right that 90% of success is in turning up in the first place.
Flo doesn't care if she is paid or not, so amateur and youth productions are as important to her as the rare opportunities to be part of a professional production. I imagine that it may be the same for your DD. If so, you can get onto the mailing lists for local theatres, and keep an eye on this forum for a prompt when Panto season auditions start (September - sometimes earlier)
If DD would like to have a go at films, you could contact local university media departments to ask about their plans for student films. Or register with Mandy and Screenterrier for free casting calls.
And BBC children's TV often offer open auditions, as do some feature films. But be prepared for the castings to be lengthy, competitive and ultimately rather frustrating.
And if you are going to support your DDs passion to perform, be sure to make firm friends with your LEA's licensing team.
Reading this back, it sounds awfully cynical. I don't mean to. There are lots of amazing opportunities for your DD and I'm sure she can have fun, and learn lots too.
Good luck
Deb x
Flo's agent doesn't send her for commercials, which cuts out a lot of very short notice calls, but she still has to commit to auditioning for other stuff as and when she is called and - if she gets the job, which is rare - she has to commit to doing it even if other things have to be put on hold.
Most of the work Flo does comes from her own networks that she has built up over recent years. Producers know she is reliable and what she can do, so they ask for her or look favourably on her audition, but she had to earn that respect and every time she is in front of a new casting director she is starting from scratch again. Woody Allen is right that 90% of success is in turning up in the first place.
Flo doesn't care if she is paid or not, so amateur and youth productions are as important to her as the rare opportunities to be part of a professional production. I imagine that it may be the same for your DD. If so, you can get onto the mailing lists for local theatres, and keep an eye on this forum for a prompt when Panto season auditions start (September - sometimes earlier)
If DD would like to have a go at films, you could contact local university media departments to ask about their plans for student films. Or register with Mandy and Screenterrier for free casting calls.
And BBC children's TV often offer open auditions, as do some feature films. But be prepared for the castings to be lengthy, competitive and ultimately rather frustrating.
And if you are going to support your DDs passion to perform, be sure to make firm friends with your LEA's licensing team.
Reading this back, it sounds awfully cynical. I don't mean to. There are lots of amazing opportunities for your DD and I'm sure she can have fun, and learn lots too.
Good luck
Deb x
Re: Local agents
Hi, nothing to add to previous posts about agents etc , but you may find this link helpful for local productions.
http://amdram.co.uk/tag/audition/
Good luck!
http://amdram.co.uk/tag/audition/
Good luck!