How To Get An Agent for Children
How To Get An Agent for Children
So You Want To Be An Actor
How to get an Agent for Children
So you want to be an actor.
If you are reading this, my guess is that you want to act and are already attending a part-time drama school or local drama class. You may have even been to explore kids agencies or even been to kids castings in the past. However, how do you get an agent? Getting an agent has always proved to be a bit of a minefield, so this guide will hopefully help you to find one.
www.kids.castingcallpro.com is a website that puts kids casting directors in touch with young talented actors. It has a comprehensive list of children’s agencies. Once you have found an agent, you will be able to register with kidscastingcallpro and ensure your profile is seen by hundreds of casting directors. One of the conditions of registering with the site is that all children must have representation, so how do you go about it?
- Using the Agents list on kidscastingcallpro research several of the agents by looking at their websites.
- Look to see who their clients are.
- What sort of work they recruit for, television, film, theatre, commercials or extra work.
- Are they currently seeking new clients?
- Look to see how many clients they currently have on their books. Do you want to be part of a large agent or a smaller boutique agency.
- Once you have chosen a handful of agents compile a letter on your computer asking to be considered for representation. Do check spelling and grammar carefully.
- Some agencies are happy to except emails make sure you read through their website to find out what the procedure is when applying.
- Include a black and white photograph, if possible a professional shot if not a clear head and shoulders shot or passport photo. (You will need to get professional photographs once you have signed with an agency; good headshots are very important as it is the first thing that kids castings will look at.) Do write your name and phone number on the back in case it becomes separated from your covering letter.
- Include a CV. This should have a list of any performance experience to date plus personal details.Do include drama school shows plus any professional jobs you may have done.
- If you are invited along for an interview or audition prepare well. Make sure you are smart and cleanly dressed. Hair brushed!
- If you have been asked to prepare a piece choose something that is within your age range. Check out our plays to order page or script ideas, if you still need some help give us a ring or email us at mailto:enquiries@dramaclasses.biz Getting this right is essential for all kids agencies.
- Ask your drama teacher to help you prepare your piece.
- If you don't get into the first agent keep trying as many actors both young and old have been turned down at some point in their careers and still gone on to be very successful. Don't part with any money, you should not have to pay to audition for kids agencies or castings, nor should you to go onto their books. The only exception would be if they were getting your head shots done and submitting your photo into the spotlight directory.
- Do ask what commission rate they charge most kids agencies or agents charge between 10 % and 20%.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions a good agent will want you to feel comfortable with your choice after all your child’s safety and well being is paramount.
- Do discuss your intentions with your child’s school, as not all are supportive.
- Filming and rehearsals take place during term time and holidays so it is inevitable your child will be absent from school on several occasions.
Having an agent is no guarantee that you will get work, as well as your natural talent as an actor you need a good dose of luck.
Here is a list of Children's Theatrical Agents. Please note these are only suggestions.
Child licensing - For advice on child licensing please contact your local education authority.
NB: Please note that getting an agent for your child is a big commitment, you must be able to take them to castings and auditions, quite often with very little notice. However it is a wonderful experience for a child and a great learning curve which they will take with them into adulthood.
If you have any questions please do email me at mailto:enquiries@dramaclasses.biz and we will do our best to help. For castings or agent related queries you can contact www.agents-uk.com