How to Get an Acting Agent in New York

Actors usually need agents to break into the industry.

If you're considering becoming a professional actor, one of the first things you should do is find an agent. An acting agent will help find work and will help protect your rights when you agree to take on acting roles. Understand that agents don't work for free. In New York, for example, one of the most popular areas for actors to find work, agents receive a percentage of your gross pay for jobs you get. They receive this fee in return for getting you the job and negotiating your contract and pay. Therefore, it's in your agent's best interest to get you as much money as possible for an acting job.

Instructions

1. Get out there. Even if you're not yet getting high-paying, professional acting jobs in New York, you should still be acting. Take on smaller roles, participate in charity events and if you're still in school, get cast in your school's plays. Many agents are constantly on the lookout for talent, but you can't get discovered unless you're out there acting.

2. Talk with people in your industry, preferably who work in the state of New York. Fellow actors, casting directors, directors and producers all know acting agents. Try to get a referral or at least an introduction.

3. Mail out your headshot and acting resume to potential agents. You can find agents on websites like NewYorkActing.com. Agents who are impressed by your work and taking on new clients will call you and set up an interview.

References

• FabJob.com: Acting Agents

Resources

• NewYorkActing.com: New York Acting Agencies