Most actors who are seeking representation are not aware of what requirements they need to get a really Major Legit Agent. There are so many talented and trained young actors with BFA's and MFA's who think it's easy to walk into an established agency and get "signed". It's not. Unless you have a close friend or relative in the biz (and even they will tell you, you need CREDITS, CREDITS, CREDITS) you're not ready for representation until you've built a substantial resume! It's a catch 22-you can't get in to audition and GET WORK on all the major shows unless you have an agent and you can't get an agent until you've worked.
What's the answer?
The first is the long haul- Put the time in, pay your dues and build your resume the old fashioned way- WORK for it. Meeting (or Paying to meet) an agent before you're ready is a waste of time and money.This is what's expected for a top Agent to handle you.
At least, ONE major credit in a ONE major market.
THEATRE : A leading role in a classic or well-known modern play at a Major LORT A, B, C Rep company, like Blanche in "Streetcar Named Desire" @ The Guthrie, Edmund in "King Lear" @ Syracuse Rep, Abigail in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" @ Seattle Rep or a solid supporting or co-starring role in a legit "off-B'way" production. A Broadway credit, of course, would be best.
TV: A recurring, supporting, guest starring or featured role on a Primetime series, like a featured character appearing in 1-2 scenes on Ugly Betty, House, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl or a day player/recurring or contract role on a Daytime series, All My Children or Days Of Our Lives.
FILM: A co-starring, supporting or "featured" role in a feature film opposite "names/stars". Even a network commercial will give you some "credibility". (There are exceptions and the standards might be a little less strict for a Legit Agent in LA. They are seeking actors with more TV/Film experience so the theatre roles might not have as much weight in their evaluation of you.)
Why do you need one of the above ?
Because any of these credits will have earned you a sizeable check, given you the status of a major player and are a "handle" for any Agent to sell you for future roles. That's what agents do-they sell YOU.
If all you've done are showcases of new, unknown plays or student and "indie" films -those credits you're so proud of and think are "really great"- you don't have much to offer an established Agent. They already have tons of clients with more experience and CREDITS than you- and they're out of work. Don't get depressed. You have to start somewhere. But Agents need to see potential AND current income/bookings to feel confident about representing you and most importantly, to make their 10%. Can you BOOK major work? Have you DONE SO?Just keep going, keep training and keep developing. Persist. But, have a "realistic" view of your current professional "status". You don't need an agent until you have something to sell-your credits.
Other possibilities:
1- Find a younger newly franchised Agent who is just filling their roster. They're the best people to approach because they're developing just like YOU. You can build your careers together and it won't matter if you don't have the heavy duty credits above. If they like you, they might just work with you!
2- Hire a CAREER COACH who can create a marketing plan, prep you on your office interview (if you can ace that you might get anyone to represent you!) and CALL a top Agent who might want to "give you a shot". It's always smart to "cut to the chase". You'll save several years of struggle.
3- Sign up for the upcoming "HOW TO GET AN AGENT ...in 30 DAYS or LESS! 6 week Teleseminar Course starting May 7th..it's GUARANTEED! (and get a $50 OFF DISCOUNT!)
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
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