Finding An Agent Or Manager
Ask for a reference. If you have friends, colleagues, or classmates with agents, ask them to pass along your information. Give them copies of your headshots, resume, and reel to pass along to their reps. If you don't have friends or colleagues with agents, find a local community of actors and get to know them. They can help you get your reel and headshots to the right person. You may also need a recommendation to get an agent, so it is key to have someone put in a good word for you who is familiar or has professional relationship with a particular agent.
Act in plays or local films/commercials. Even if it volunteer or low paying, or part of your school activities. You might get noticed by an agent. Take every opportunity to act as it comes along. Whether it's a play, a student film, a documentary, a commercial etc. Anything like this can get your work seen and out there! If you are talented, word will get out that you have special qualities that might be desirable in the industry. Agents and mangers go to plays and watch videos that are recommended to them. You might be the next person to get discovered through even a minor project. Any of these opportunities provide you with a way to hone your craft. Any experience can be helpful.
Find contacts through social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube can give you amazing exposure through friend and business networks. Be very careful when approaching an agent over social media. Don't be overzealous or seem desperate. This can turn off a potential business relationship. A good rule of thumb is to think about what you put on social media for this potential agent to see. If you wouldn't want them to hear it or see it in person, you shouldn't post it. The best way to engage with an agent over Facebook or Twitter is to participate in conversation by showing common interests and showing them your content. If they don't respond to you, don't continue to berate them with audition tapes or headshots. This can sour your relationship with other agents, as these people have very close business networks.
Go to an agent workshop. Agents sometimes hold these to find new talent. Keep in mind that these are highly competitive. You will want to stand out from the crowd. Don't be shy but be careful you don't appear as too arrogant or odd. Make sure you look professional and unique. First impressions are key in the film and theater industry.
Get a meeting with an agent. Once you've made a contact and you get to know an agent, it is best to set up a formal meeting. While you might have a unique look and be confident in your appearance, your resume and reel won't make themselves. Show up prepared to discuss your experiences and interests. Your job now is to convince the agent that you are worth their valuable time. You have to let your work show. Don't show up at a meeting expecting an agent to pluck you out of obscurity if you don't have the experience to back it up.
Hire an agent or manager. An agent or manager will help find auditions or castings for you. If you hire an agent, after getting your job you have to pay them 10-20% percentage of your salary, depending on whether you are a Union actor or not. Hiring an agent or manager doesn't mean you are guaranteed to get work. Always read contracts with agents and managers before you sign them. There are a lot of scam agencies out there! Your agent will refer you to auditions that you are suited for and recommend you to directors. This is not a guarantee you will get a part or job.
Finding Auditions on Your Own
Use your own contacts. Ask your acting teachers, colleagues and friends if they know of any upcoming projects in your area. These can be your best first resource. An acting coach or teacher will know what parts you are suited for and can give you valuable contacts. Your own professional network will be able to recommend you to casting directors and local agents.
Try out some casting calls. You can find them in your local newspapers, websites, TV, radios and elsewhere. Many TV networks post on their websites when they have casting calls for shows or other projects Theater auditions and castings are often published in theater magazines or local newspapers. Look in major newspapers for large cities. You will have better luck finding opportunities in large metropolitan areas with big entertainment industries.
Use social media. Facebook is a great resource for getting auditions. Event pages are often used to announce open casting calls and auditions. These can be a good resource for both film, tv, and theater. Look at agents pages or find specific project pages on Facebook. Sometimes, audition information will be posted there. You can also find casting calls and auditions on Twitter and Craigslist. You might have more luck finding auditions and acting opportunities if you live closer to a large city with an entertainment industry.
Create an account on audition websites. At first go to the sites, sign up and post your head shots. Some examples of these sites include www.exploretalent.com, www.laauditions.com, www.actoraccess.com, or www. backstage.com. Casting networks is another website that does all sorts of auditions, Make sure your profile is distinct, detailed, and has multiple headshots. Most of these sites will send you emails or alerts when a project is holding auditions or open casting for a part. Be wary of using these sites as your only resource. Many of them charge a fee with minimal return. These can be a very good tool for researching projects that are happening locally.
Contact your local film office. These can be excellent resources for searching for auditions and casting calls. Most films that are looking for extras will advertise through your city's film office. The film office will also have a list of current projects, permits and contacts. This can help you do some more research and contact casting directors. The film office might also offer information on acting classes and workshops to allow you to practice your craft.
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