Hi everyone! I'm an actor in LA who is very well-trained, I have a BA in Theatre from USC and am constantly in on-going scene study and improv classes. Having just graduated a year ago, I've been really lucky in securing a great commercial agent here in LA. However, I've really struggle finding someone to represent me theatrically. Does anyone have any advice on the best ways to secure an agent or manager besides the blind submissions? Any leads on successful workshops or showcases that anyone knows of would be very helpful! Thank you all so much and I wish you luck on the grind! -Marissa
Register / Log In
First, when you're doing blind submissions, I'll bet you're sending them out in manila folders. Don't. Agents get blasted with those daily, and most go straight in the trash. If you're going to cold call (cold send in this case), find the clear plastic version of manila folders (hard to find and a little more expensive). Don't give the agent (or in reality the assistant) a chance to not see your face. If it's in their hand, they see you, and you just might save your headshot from going straight to the trash bin. Beyond that, roughly 13% of people land representation from workshops, classes, etc. Not saying don't do those, but be aware the odds are not in your favor. Truth? Make friends who are actors who have representation and get them to recommend you to their rep. It's the quickest and the easiest with the added bonus of their experience with their rep making sure it's not a skeezo trying to get in your pants. Need anything else, feel free to inbox me.
2 people like this
Lol, the novelty of the debate between clear and manila folders .. what about a non clear, but not manila folder with decorative.. stuff on it. Like a crest and your name embossed? kinda pricey.. thought. Why arnt we all using animated phone apps for this yet? lol? In ten years time we will be tapping youtube reels from phone to phone instead. I imagine a hard copy of vitals will always be a nice anachronism.. like a christmas card!
I would only offer this...from a strictly logical point of view. You're sending something that needs to be seen. And it's something that they get hundreds of a day. Do you send something that looks just like everything else (decorations...you're an actor, not a crafts person at the ymca) OR do you GUARANTEE they can see you no matter what. I know that I want to give myself every edge. I am curious though, does Paul say WHY he recommends against it?