What must I do to sign on with a talent agent?

Question:

What must I do to sign on with a talent agent?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: As a former Talent Agent in New York City, our agents and Assistant Agents attended a theatrical production or showcase, every night. As long as you are performing in plays, a talent agent can see your work. If the agency has a need for your "type" they will contact you.

Mail a photo-postcard to the agents and assistant agents, in the office, asking them to attend your show. Be sure to indicate that "Comps are available" to the Agent and/or Assistants.

Typically, agencies select prospective clients by "type," especially if they have a "hole" in their client list for a particular type, i.e. beauty, character, leading man, leading woman, young woman or ethnic.

Additionally, make sure that any Talent with whom you meet is a
member of:
http://www.agentassociation.com/frontdoo...

As those agents are legitimate Talent Agents and had to put up a substantial amount of money to open a Talent Agency.

Talent Agents are NOT allowed to charge fees to actors, as the agency is paid a COMMISSION on the money earned by the actor. If you run into this situation, Contact the Dept. of State in the state where you and the agency are located.

Many actors believe they are in charge of which area of the industry they will work, i.e., film, tv, commercials, industrials, movies, print etc.

The Agent determines where clients are best suited to work, not the client. You may think you want to be a film actor, but the agent will realize you are not "suited" for film and will submit you for other areas. Your goal, as an actor, is to perform in as many quality theatre productions as possible, so you can be seen by agents.

If you are NOT a SAG member, it more likely you will run into an unscrupulous talent agent. If it feels strange, immediately leave, especially, if they offer you world. Talent Agents do not offer you the world. They represent you based on the strength of your theatre resume and your audition in their office.