best agent for teenager?

[Sophieisamazimg]

Hi
I am 17 years old, but have a playing age of like 13-18, mainly playing 15. I do quite a bit of drama, I *still* go to stagecoach and last year joined the agency, which put me through for about 8 things on average per month. I got two auditions in in that year, one I couldn't attend and the other was an open audition anyway, and I was unsuccessful. However they got me a job as an extra in law and order uk, so I gained something from them, plus they did me good head shots, although now I need new ones. I am on the whole not that pleased with the stagecoach agency, I feel they have so many children and they don't really try for the best roles. I have recently completed the junior acting course with the national youth theatre, so am now a member of that! I was wondering what agency I should apply for. The only tv role I have had was on law and order, I have done school plays etc, and this October I am in my local production the sound of music playing Louisa. I also don't have a showreel, do I need one? Thanks

[pg]

I would recommend applying to any children's agencies where you need to audition - and where they don't charge a fee. A particularly good bet for you might be those that also have a "young adults" section - as you would then not outgrow the agency as quickly.

There are quite a few mentioned on the site if you do a bit of a scoot around the posts in various sections and make notes.

A showreel might be useful to you - but you don't need one to apply to agencies where they audition you (they may well ask you to send a self-tape, so you could have a practice and look out for suitable material straight away so that you are well-prepared if this happens).

Part of the problem is that there really isn't all that much work around for someone of your age. For theatre roles, companies will tend to cast young looking adults - and TV and Film is quite likely to go to young people with an industry profile already (in your age group). Commercials are a bit of a lottery and being cast in one is mainly based on your look and type being what the client wants.

Are you thinking of going on to further training when you leave school?

[Sophieisamazimg]

I would recommend applying to any children's agencies where you need to audition - and where they don't charge a fee. A particularly good bet for you might be those that also have a "young adults" section - as you would then not outgrow the agency as quickly.

There are quite a few mentioned on the site if you do a bit of a scoot around the posts in various sections and make notes.

A showreel might be useful to you - but you don't need one to apply to agencies where they audition you (they may well ask you to send a self-tape, so you could have a practice and look out for suitable material straight away so that you are well-prepared if this happens).

Part of the problem is that there really isn't all that much work around for someone of your age. For theatre roles, companies will tend to cast young looking adults - and TV and Film is quite likely to go to young people with an industry profile already (in your age group). Commercials are a bit of a lottery and being cast in one is mainly based on your look and type being what the client wants.

Are you thinking of going on to further training when you leave school?

Hi
Thank you for your reply! Yes I have been on this site for a while and the same names seem to crop up, Curtis brown etc. Do you know any in particular that have young adult sections? I know it's hard finding parts for my age :/ although recently casting directors seem to want people who are older but have a younger playing age.

When I leave school next year, I am most likely going to have a gap year, but I am still going to audition for drama school next year, whether I get in or not...I don't know. The problem is if I work hard I do well in exams and my parents, particularly my dad want me to go to uni and get a degree, but the only thing I love is acting. It's so difficult....

[pg]

I believe Abacus take young adults.

Curtis Brown is obviously a very top agent. You could apply, but as far as I know they don't run audition workshops in the way that some of the others do.

I understand your parents' point of view. It is such an uncertain life. Many of the acting course are degree courses though. I don't know whether that would be any reassurance for your parents? Education is never wasted - getting the very best marks you can will be of value whatever you decide to do.

Wishing you all the best - and if there is anything else you think I might be able to help with, let me know.

[Sophieisamazimg]

Thank you again!
I have looked up abacus and it sounds good, I have heard positive things about it. On that note, could you possibly give a list of good agencies suitable for my age and preferably london based, who take people with fairly limited professional experience?

[pg]

I would if I could Sophieisamazing, but I really can't advise you.

I don't know much about young people's agencies. My two children didn't really do any professional acting work when they were children - though they both did lots of performing.

I think the only thing to do is to get hold of a copy of Contacts, look up all the children's agencies, look at their websites and see whether they have young adults sections - and they apply to any that seem good to you. Providing they don't charge up front fees, and they insist on meeting potential clients first then they are probably worth investigating. You can look at the sort of work their clients get and make a judgement.

Of course it usually comes down to who has a gap for an actor like you, as well. It isn't easy to get accepted by good agencies (I'm sure you know that ). Especially for young female actors.

Best of luck!