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How to Find a Talent Agent

1. Go to your local theater arts bookstore and buy a directory of the local talent agents. In L.A., for example, you could go to Samuel French; you can also subscribe to the Ross Reports.
2. Look through the descriptions of the specialties that agents cover, such as children, models, character actors, leading women or leading men. Target the agents who fit your type.
3. Find out if any of your friends or contacts know the agents you’re targeting or are represented by them. Ask about their experiences, and ask if they can give you a reference.
4. Submit your headshot and resume to the agent, with a brief cover letter introducing yourself.
5. Follow up with a phone call and a postcard.
6. Send invitations to all of your performances to agents whom you have targeted.
7. Perform in a “showcase” (see glossary), but select carefully. Many showcases involve a fee, so find out in advance which agents will attend.
8. Be persistent but not obnoxious. Send postcards every two to four months updating the agents on your activities.
9. Prepare a monologue. When an agent calls you into her office, you will probably be asked to do a monologue or cold reading. Dress in a flattering but professional manner, and bring headshots and resumes.
10. Thank agents for interviews, and if they don’t choose you this time around, keep in touch and don’t take it personally; they can only take so many of each type of actor at a time.

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\\ tags: Acting, Acting Tips

Dressing for an Audition
1. Decide several days before the audition what impression you plan to make.
2. Think of the role for which you will audition, and consider clothing that complements the character. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident and attractive.
3. Choose all clothing that you plan to wear, down to small details like socks, and make sure it is clean and ready.
4. Think about hair products, makeup and accessories that you plan to use.
5. Do not dress in costume unless specifically asked to do so by the casting director. Rather, wear clothing suggestive of the role.
6. Bring a change of clothes with you in case you arrive and discover that what you are wearing is inappropriate. Leave the clothes in the car, if possible.

Other Tips:
7. Wear comfortable shoes.
8. If you believe that special attire is necessary for the audition, discuss that with the casting assistant in advance.
9. In general, keep it simple. The use of props at an audition is not recommended, as they are considered distracting by most casting directors. However, if you are requested to bring props, prepare them in advance.

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\\ tags: Acting, Acting Tips, Audition

4 Ways to use your Website Link Effectively

1. Put your Website on your Resume
When a casting director receives your resume, give them an easy way for them or the producer to easily see more pictures or videos of you in action.

2. Put your Website on your Business Cards
Every actor should have a business card, you never know who you might meet. A business card an excellent opportunity to convert a random face to face meeting with a casting director or film maker into a job.

3. Put your Website Link in your Emails
Every email you send is on opportunity to very passively put your website link in the signature. For example:

Sincerely,

John Doe

http://JohnDoe.com

4. Put your Website Link on your Profile Pages
Do you have a profile page on LA Casting, NY Casting, IMDB, or even MySpace. All of those places are excellent opportunities to push people to your official site and away from all the other distractions that you find on those free profile sites.

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\\ tags: Acting, Acting Tips

Attending an Audition

• Arrive 15 minutes early.

• Do not dress in costume unless requested, but dress to impress in attire that suggests the role for which you are auditioning.

• Sign in immediately to secure your place in line.

• Pick up the “sides” (see glossary). If possible, get the sides a few hours or a few days before the audition, as necessary, in order to practice.

• Be quiet in the waiting room. Be polite, and treat the casting director’s assistants politely; they will mention any rudeness to the casting director.

• Do any exercises that help you relax as you wait. This could be deep breathing, stretching, visualizing soothing scenes or quietly listening to music through earphones.

• Walk with confidence, smile and introduce yourself when you’re called in to the room with the casting director. Hand the assistant your headshot with your resume stapled on the back.

• Name the audition piece you will perform, and go right into it unless otherwise instructed. Do not dawdle or hesitate in any way.

• Thank the casting director and leave the room immediately when you are finished.

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\\ tags: Acting, Acting Tips