APPLYING TO AGENCIES

[CluelessMother]

So this is my first thread on NAPM! I've joined because I have a 13 y/o DD who adores acting. She's acted in a few school and local theatre shows since she was nine, so has never ventured into anything of a big scale. However, what is clear to my and my ex husband is that after four years of her pleading for a chance to get an agent and showing how committed and passionate she is about acting- we've decided to get (or try to get) her agent. The hitch is that me and my ex husband have never had anything to do with the arts industry at all and are utter novices (DD has to explain everything to us!) and it must be frustrating for her to have parents who have no idea what they're doing, as it is after all, the parents who have to take the child to auditions, headshot sessions, agency appointments, etc. Some background info on DD: she's 5"5, goes every Saturday afternoon to Stagecoach Theatre Arts (and has done for two years now) and has a playing age of about 12-15 (I think?) and does seem to have a lot of talent and enthusiasm for acting. She's done all the agency research herself and has created a list of agencies (all of whom are apparently in London- we live in south Cheshire! And all of whom are legitimate agencies and seem to have really famous clientele which worries me slightly!) and here they are:

- Curtis Brown
- TROIKA
- Independent Talent
- ARG
- United Agents
- A&J Management

So, although I know a bit of info on them, what are they really like? Are they good for representing kids/teenagers? And what is the general application process for DD to apply to the agents? She's informed me of it but I'd like it simpler terms as she sort of blew me away with it! Thanks so much in advance, I really need info!

[michbv]

Hi,
There is a search button on the top right of this page where you can see if other people have written about these agencies.
Also, there are a lot of sections to browse through other peoples questions and answers, who may have also asked about these agents.
There are many other agents nearer to where you live. North West based in case you want something nearer.
May even be worth asking the Stagecoach where your DD goes to see if the other parents have any recommendations.
I am based in the Liverpool and my DS has an agent based in Manchester. It depends if you want to travel every time there is an audition or you want to see what is about in the North West area.
Best of luck and hope this helps x


www.starnow.co.uk/adambeaver

[fizzycandy123]

Hello,
I started at 13 as well and my parents were totally new to it too.The first thing I would recommend is purchasing the book of contacts 2015 published my spotlight.It has all the contacts of the industry including agents,drama schools ect. Also when your dd gets an agent she will most probably be required to join Spotlight especially because of her age.Spotlight is a casting directory agents use to suggest people for jobs.Secondly I would decide whether you are looking for a manager or agent,a manager represents artist on a more personal basis so you and your dd would likely to have a good relationship with your manager.A manager is also likely to have less artist on there books such as usually less than 100 artist whilst an agent can have thousands.I would then look at some of the good child agencies in the book of contacts such as Daisy and Dukes,Top talent,d and b management.I would make a shortlist and google them or look through some of the agents on this website to get reviews and opinion.I would then send in a headshots some agencies say they do not have to be professional although you can find good photographers in the book of contacts or on this site.I would also include a covering letter and CV.In the CV just include all the experience including school plays your dd has had.Email/post these representation request of to your shortlisted agents/magnetosphere agents have times in the year when there books open so they look at new clients.I know Daisy and Dukes will keep your details on file and contact you for an audition in Hertfordshire when they open usually around November/feb time.Keep sending out representation requests and don't get did heartened if you dont hear anything back for a while it took me eight months of constant emailing and rejection then I suddenly got three agency auditions in one go.I wouldn't apply to the agencies below as they usually expect high levels of experience except maybe a and j although its worth a try.Also 12-15 is known as that age in acting as a production companies are less likely to hire a 15 year old to play a 15 year old because of licencing laws/paper work they would rather higher somebody of 16 to play down.So depending on how old your dd looks agencies may take this in to account.When I was 14 I managed to get a agent however because I looked older then most on my agencies books I didn't get any auditions really apart from what I got myself.However,since turning sixteen I've got different agencies and more auditions just because of my age really.at 12-15 you are competing with adults.Good luck to your DD and don't give up,If you need anymore info just ask everyone on here is so supportive.xx

[riverdancefan]

There's nothing wrong with aiming high!
But these agencies are very difficult to get into, they have clientele generally with lots of professional experience and they May not be a sensible first choice for your DD
I would be more inclined to look at children/ teen agencies such as DAisy and DUkes, Scream, Bonnie and Betty, Peanuts, and Top Talent etc, there should be plenty of info on here and on the websites.
Not all work comes from them , we can source plenty for ourselves , local theatre professional and amateur, sites like KCCP are well worth a look, my DS has had plenty of paid work via them.
There are also plenty of workshops around that give helpful guidance as to the difference between tv work and stage work for example.
Think about NYMT and YMT etc, all these opportunities are fabulous and foster contacts and friendships.

Check local areas for opportunities, student films are always worth a look ( be wary as to the feel of the project)
You can get some good showreel material and experience of working with a team of people there..
Be persistent in your applications to agencies , they may be full for the category your DD would fit, unfortunately the competition for teen girl work is incredibly strong - many girls for few parts and often over 16 teen are employed to play down as they don't need to be Lisenced. If she has a USP like a language or certain skill that's always helpful..my DS had work on the back of his irish dance.
It's TOUGH there are many many rejections and no's, it's expensive and many of your castings will be London based..but going in with your eyes open is always a good thing. As long as you all understand the chances of a fabulous job happening straight away is pretty slim, some are lucky and are employed regularly , many have been with agents for years and haven't had a job at all.
Training in my opinion is essential, especially for dancers and singers , maybe stagecoach isn't quite enough for her if she is serious about going down this route , I find the specialist schools and training in specifics is better rather than 3 hours of singing acting and dance.. The market is saturated, the better you are the better your chances are...

Good luck