Spencer Glass, actor and career coach for actors, provides tips and advice for how to get an agent as an actor. Check back monthly for
more actor wisdom from Spencer.
There is no correct way to get an agent. There's no one way street, perfect strategy, or recipe that can get you an agent meeting. Are there certain things to think about/tools to have under your belt to make the process a little simpler? Absolutely, and we'll get to that. But I think it's important to ground, and understand that the agent journey can feel overwhelming, because every single agent does business differently, and has different needs at different times.
Actors have signed with agents through college showcases, referrals from other actors, industry recommendations, a general introduction/cover letter, an agent class/showcase, or from a show they were in where an agent was in the audience. A lot of actors want an agent, and DUH. Agents are wonderful, savvy, and valuable creatives in our business who are a liaison between actors and the industry. They fight for your careers, and it's refreshing to have someone steering the ship with you. But before you start thinking about finding representation, let's make sure we have our ducks in a row.
Before we go into some different avenues to go down when trying to find representation, let's first discuss materials we'll need, no matter how we connect with an agent.
1. Footage
Do you have clear, good quality tapes that will give agents information on you as a person, and in show business? I'd stay away from show footage where there's 12 other people on stage and we can't find you, and zone in on you and only you. Make sure this footage feels somewhat updated. Reels and audition tapes from 5 years ago no longer serve you. Show them the present version of you. A lot of actors will sometimes feel overwhelmed on where to start. I recommend going back to the drawing boards. I'll use myself as an example. I'm interested and feel best in musical comedy on stage. I might create two different vocal clips that showcase my specific kind of comedic style, and then throw in something a tad simpler and subtle for some balance. Perhaps I also have two or three audition tapes I feel proud of, which will also give insight to reps on the kind of projects I go in for and certain casting directors who have seen my work. You want your footage to of course be an introduction to you, but also be informative of where you feel at home in the business.
2. Headshot + Resume
Don't overthink this. Have a headshot that feels like you, looks like you, and tells us the kind of energies you want to be playing on stage/set. As for your resume, I always think less is more. I used to list every college production I was in, 400 special skills, and every single concert and cabaret I've ever participated in throughout my life. I'd stick to the stuff that really tells us who you are as an actor, and make sure to have your training and contact info (HEAVY emphasis on contact info...they need to be able to email you if they're interested!).
3. Career Inventory: It's very possible that once you meet with an agent, you will be asked about industry relationships, past and recent auditions, and where you see yourself in the business. In this personal spreadsheet, you can be keeping track of your auditions, casting directors you've met (and continue to audition for), and shows and projects on the horizon you see yourself in. Especially if you're sending a cover letter with a headshot and resume to an office, it's a great idea to let the team know recent callbacks and any great relationships you've cultivated in your career. And if you're reading this and you don't have relationships or any kind of auditions yet, NO worries- this is just an added bonus, and everyone's in different parts of their career, and there's no right or wrong.
Different Agent Adventures:
1. Classes + Showcases
Actors Connection is a fabulous way to meet agents. This company offers both virtual and in person opportunities to learn about offices, and meet them one on one. They also do agent showcases, where you can audition for 5+ agencies.
2. Referrals
Perhaps you have friends with an agent. Open a conversation with them, and see how they're enjoying their collaboration. As you learn about their agent, and if it feels like a potential match, clients refer people to their reps often. Ask a trusted friend, and see if they'll send your materials over to the team. Sometimes it feels weird to ask for favors in this business, but the worst that can happen is that your referral says "not right now".
3. DIY
Do It Yourself. Write to an agent yourself. First things first, let's be thoughtful about this. You shouldn't be checking in with the agent weekly, and you want to go about this tactfully. I'd include footage, and a brief message about you, and why this office in particular struck you. Keep in mind, reps are getting swamped daily with emails and calls, and you might not hear a response (or it could take a few days/weeks). Don't be discouraged, but also, you might be just what they're looking for!
There's no guarantee in this process, but having the necessary tools certainly helps. I know plenty of actors who have fabulous careers and have done it alone, and you don't want to lose hope just because you don't have representation. The right team will come along at the right time, and having the above materials in place will help you in many parts of your artistry besides finding an agent. See below for more information on my coaching business, and if holding yourself accountable or getting your footage, reels and career in order feels stressful, let's get you feeling amazing. I believe in you, and this business is lucky to have you.
