So you want to be a professional 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, or private drama classes. 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, for every actor of every age, so this blog will hopefully help you to navigate through this process. A few things to keep in mind when browsing those agency 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 an email on your computer asking to be considered for representation. Do check spelling and grammar carefully! Make sure you read through their website to find out what the procedure is when applying.
Include a 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.)
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. You can ask your drama teachers help for this!
If you are invited along for an interview or audition, GREAT! 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 info@arteach.co.uk. 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! So 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, and 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.
For advice on child licensing please contact your local education authority.
Kindly remind to your self: 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. You are doing great, and YOU ARE ENOUGH!
Here is a list of Children's Theatrical Agents. Please note these are only suggestions.
1. BODENS AGENCY
2. Alphabet kids - Children's Agency http://www.alphabetkidz.co.uk/parents-join
3. EARNSHAW Susi MANAGEMENT Agency and Theatre School http://www.sets.org.uk
4. CS MANAGEMENT http://www.csmanagementuk.com/da/106363
5. Daisy and Dukes http://daisyanddukes.com
6. ButterCup Agency http://buttercupagency.co.uk
7. The BWH Agency Ltd http://thebwhagency.co.uk
8. Scene II Theatrical Agency http://www.sceneii.net/agency
9. The Stagecoach Talent Agency https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/talent-agency
10. SYLVIA YOUNG AGENCY http://www.syts.co.uk/page/?pid=26
11. The Anna Fiorentini Agency https://www.annafiorentini.com/the-agency
12. Model Agency London
http://www.norriecarr.com/
13. MARK JERMIN MANAGEMENT
14. Connor Kids
15. Superarts
16. URBAN TALENT
17. Lucia Victoria Agency Management
18. YAFTA Talent Agency
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.
Danay Bouzala, Director of Drama