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When applying for agencies is it worth sending a disc with you performing a monologue or something with your CV? I am about to send mine out to a few small agencies but haven't really got anything on it which may lead them to think I'm bad when it's just because I haven't done much.
So do you think I should film myself doing a monologue and send it to them along with my CV, covering letter and headshot?

I think the usual advice is to wait until you are asked.

If they like the look of your photo and CV they may ask if you have a showreel - or some ask for a video audition.

In any case I wouldn't bother sending in a disc - it would be more cost effective (and the agent would be more likely to watch it) to include it as link to a private view on youtube or vimeo.

How old are you?

Agents know quite well that young people won't necessarily have masses of experience - so try not to worry too much about that.

i've just seen from another of your posts that you are 13. I don't think you need worry about not having an enormous amount of experience, but at the same time it's worth thinking about how little work there is available for someone of your age. Agents only need to take on a few clients in an age group or casting bracket. If they think your photo suggests that you are "castable" then you are half way there. A good agent won't take you on without knowing what you can do, but they can tell whether they are likely to be interested in the first place from your photo and CV.

Thank you! Yes I am thirteen but have a playing age older than that. I've also seen a few templates for CVs but have no idea what to include! Do I just put in things to do with acting or shall I put down hobbies and things I enjoy?

On your CV you should list your "credits" (i.e. any roles you have had in productions) and then you can also mention skills and interests/hobbies. Skills and hobbies are "additional information" though - and it's best if you include in particular the sort of things that might make you more interesting/castable as an actor.

So, for example, including information about any musical or dance skills makes a lot of sense - as does expertise in gymnastics or horse-riding or some other sport. Including things like enjoying shopping or baby-sitting though is a lot less useful (from an acting point of view). Try to think of it from an agent's or CD's point of view - what do you have that makes you a more interesting prospect than the next CV they look at?

Credits will usually be listed in a table format

Role-------------- Production --------- Venue (or Company)---------- Director

pg wrote:On your CV you should list your "credits" (i.e. any roles you have had in productions) and then you can also mention skills and interests/hobbies. Skills and hobbies are "additional information" though - and it's best if you include in particular the sort of things that might make you more interesting/castable as an actor.

So, for example, including information about any musical or dance skills makes a lot of sense - as does expertise in gymnastics or horse-riding or some other sport. Including things like enjoying shopping or baby-sitting though is a lot less useful (from an acting point of view). Try to think of it from an agent's or CD's point of view - what do you have that makes you a more interesting prospect than the next CV they look at?

Credits will usually be listed in a table format

Role-------------- Production --------- Venue (or Company)---------- Director

Okay thanks for that. I have a list of a few good agencies but not big ones so hopefully they will be much more likely to give me a chance! I have found a couple of good templates so do you suggest I print out a photo, stick it on and sent it to several agencies along with a cover letter? Should I tailor the cover letter to each agency? An should I put my real name or the one I would use if I got a spotlight profile (slightly different spelling)?

Try this part of the site

http://notapushymum.com/gpage2.html

There is a template CV on there as well as other info about agents that you might find helpful.

Good luck

Deb x

There's lots of useful advice on the page Deb has signposted, but to answer your specific questions:

Yes, definitely tailor each cover letter to the specific agency.
I would upload your photo digitally and include it on the CV as a thumbnail and then have a larger version available as a separate photo. If you are emailing it, make sure that the file size is suitable for email - you don't want to overload their inbox.
I would use your real name for now. You can discuss your Spotlight name with the agent at the appropriate time. It is possible that there is already someone with that name or that there WILL be someone with that name when you come to register, so I don't think that now is the time to change it.

Best of luck.

Flosmom wrote:Try this part of the site

http://notapushymum.com/gpage2.html

There is a template CV on there as well as other info about agents that you might find helpful.

Good luck

Deb x

pg wrote:There's lots of useful advice on the page Deb has signposted, but to answer your specific questions:

Yes, definitely tailor each cover letter to the specific agency.
I would upload your photo digitally and include it on the CV as a thumbnail and then have a larger version available as a separate photo. If you are emailing it, make sure that the file size is suitable for email - you don't want to overload their inbox.
I would use your real name for now. You can discuss your Spotlight name with the agent at the appropriate time. It is possible that there is already someone with that name or that there WILL be someone with that name when you come to register, so I don't think that now is the time to change it.

Best of luck.

I haven't done any performances since 2011! I have still done little one's in the class and year group but not anything formal onstage that I don't think would be worth putting in a CV. Would it look bad to say that my most recent performance was 2 years ago?
x

Sez1 wrote:I haven't done any performances since 2011! I have still done little one's in the class and year group but not anything formal onstage that I don't think would be worth putting in a CV. Would it look bad to say that my most recent performance was 2 years ago?
x

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, so why not?

But it strikes me that you may be answering your own question a different way. If the absence of performance experience in the past couple of years knocks your confidence, why not work on getting some? It would build your CV and - most importantly - your skills and confidence.

Plus getting an agent does not automatically lead to work, so you'll probably want to keep your own networks developing and find some projects to keep you active.

Deb x

Flosmom wrote: Nothing ventured, nothing gained, so why not?

But it strikes me that you may be answering your own question a different way. If the absence of performance experience in the past couple of years knocks your confidence, why not work on getting some? It would build your CV and - most importantly - your skills and confidence.

Plus getting an agent does not automatically lead to work, so you'll probably want to keep your own networks developing and find some projects to keep you active.

Deb x

So you still reckon I should send it in how it is to a few agencies But start building on it from there? or should I wait several months whilst I get more experience before I sent it to any agents?
X

Sez1 wrote: So you still reckon I should send it in how it is to a few agencies But start building on it from there? or should I wait several months whilst I get more experience before I sent it to any agents?
X

That has to be your choice - either is OK.

Deb x