Steps on How to Send a Resume to an Acting Agency

One acting job at a time and one day you'll be a star

Before the boom in satellite and cable television, roles were extremely limited for aspiring actors. In the old days, actors had to become a part of the studio system and work as understudies for two to five years before getting their shot in front of a camera. Today, there are more television stations and programming than ever before, so the job market for actors has expanded exponentially. To embark upon an acting career, you have to pursue it as any other job: Gain experience and get your contact information and resume into the hands of those who can hire you.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Headshots

Instructions

Steps on How to Send a Resume to an Acting Agency

1. Search for casting calls. Jot down the contact information of the agency. Start an address book for agency contacts. Get all the details about the characters available in the casting calls. You don't want to waste your time sending your resume and headshot if you don't look the part, or the agency only works with a specialized look. Little People Global Talent Agency, for example, represents talented dwarf actors.

2. Prepare and practice a monologue to deliver to your interviewer(s). Show the agency you have some chops. Choose a monologue you are passionate about. Your passion will shine and ensure you deliver a top-notch performance.

3. Strengthen your cover letter. If you have worked with indie writers and playwrights, ask one of them to review your letter both for grammatical errors and to possibly add some punch.

4. Mass mail your resume, with headshot attached to the back, to both state and national agencies. Keep an eye out for those holding regular casting calls. Your goal is to gain the representation of those consistently involved in new projects, thus keeping their clients working.

5. Follow up with everyone in four weeks. Send a postcard with your contact information and picture. Your goal is to continue reminding them of your skills and marketable face. If they had no work for you initially, they may have something later that fits you perfectly.

6. Follow-up every six weeks and let the agents know of any advances you are making in your career. Persistence is important in the entertainment industry. With all the competition, you want to be remembered--not forgotten as just another pretty face.

7. Interview potential agents. When an agency finally calls, question them as much as they question you. Make sure you trust them with guiding your career. Be aware of unethical practices. The agent's job is to find acting gigs beneficial for you as well as to the producers for whom you will work. Talent agent Angela Morris says: "Don't work with anyone that pressures you into utilizing any of the services they may offer in order to be represented."

References

• ActingBiz.com; Break Into Show Biz by Angela Morris
• Little People Global

Resources

• The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts