FINDING AN AGENT:

There are several different types of agents, each represent various types of actors; there are agents that just look after presenters, or voice-overs, and others that concentrate on Dancers, Singers, and finally supporting Artists. Etc. Each agency has an image it tries to project and maintain. Every Actor represented by the agency is an extension of its own image.
Agents representing actors or presenters on a personal management basis are sometimes on exclusive contracts. Although you could be taken on casual bases in which case these agents don’t require that their artists sign an exclusive contract. That means you could be with more than one agent trying to find you work. Also, there are cooperative agencies where you have much more of an input into your career. Normally you would be expected to work at least one day a week in the agency. It is important, therefore, to know which agent to write to and why. Just because a specific agency is considered to be the best for other people, this does not necessarily mean that it is going to be the best agency for you. Search until you find the best for your particular requirements A little research can save you a lot of time and money. The key ingredient in choosing an agent or agency is the excitement factor. Get advice from other actors, teachers, Casting Directors, and other industry people who can help you choose the right agent. Other ways are through repertory productions, or a showcase. These are normally small profit sharing productions done at established venues all around the country where you can invite agents and casting directors, to see you at work, and, finally, through drama school.
To start, you want a small-to-mid sized agency that is excited about you and will work for you. The agency you sign with shouldn't have too many actors represented by them. It is hard for one individual to handle more than twenty people Remember you should never join an agency over the phone, always go and meet the agent, maybe more than once before signing an exclusive contract. From your agency you should expect: Honesty, Protection, Career Guidance, Promotion, Professional and Courteous Service.
You should not expect from your agent: Advances in pay, Services as a Psychologist, Mother, Father, etc., or Rides anywhere. Always check and make sure that the agency is working within the DTI guidelines: that they pay within 10 days of receipt of any monies that they receive on your behalf, and that all monies are kept in a separate client account. Never pay an agency-joining fee. Accredited agencies will never ask for a registration fees, this is not legal, and goes against the DTI agency legislation, which all agencies in the UK should adhere to. Agencies that do ask for this fee should be reported to the DTI (Department for Trade and Industry). If you are still not sure about the agent ring the DTI and ask if they have any problems with that agency, you will find their number in your local yellow Pages www.yell.com or Thomson Local www.thomsonlocal.co.uk or call the actors Union Equity 020 7379 6000 who will be able to tell you if an agent is on their special attention list.

TRAINING:

Before you even consider your career as an actor, you must consider training. You may well read stories in actors autobiographies; about how they were “walking along the road with the streets paved with gold: when a director or producer, ran up to them, offering them the lead role in the latest movie”. In the real world this just does not happen! If you want to be an actor, you’ll have to work for it!
Drama School is probably the best option for any aspiring actor. They will take on actors at any age. The course can last, on average, two to three years. You can get a list of drama schools from ‘Contacts’ you can find their address in the last section of this document. You can also get an accredited list of the best drama schools from the actor’s union ‘Equity’
You will be expected to audition for a place in drama school. This normally consists of audition speeches ‘Modern’ and ‘Classical’. As an actor it’s always useful to have audition speech up your sleeve whenever you go for a casting, you never know when you might be asked for one. There are specific books you can buy. They contain both current and classical speeches from plays. It may also be useful to get some voice or drama training on a one to one basis before going for that Drama School audition. They can help you with your speeches that you wish to use. Drama School are always oversubscribed so you really do need to make the best effort. The skills you can learn at drama school are invaluable; it will give you the core skills for your career. The friends you make. At drama school are also very important, as not everyone that you goes to school with you will remain working as an actor, but they will tend to stay in other areas of the business, those people will still very much involved in finding and providing you as an actor with work. Drama school is also a good time to get an agent; the school will normally put on two or three productions each year. This is an opportunity for you as an actor to invite agents and casting directors. This is one of the best ways to get the attention of the agent you set your heart on. Also Casting Directors constantly go along to these plays, this gives them an opportunity to see how well you work. When your finish drama schools the training as an actor should be constantly updated, improving your skills. Attending classes, the actor’s centre in London or the Pineapple Dance Studio are always good places to carry on lessons. Stay in touch with other actors. Its amazing what you pick up in the Green room. This business works on the friends you make.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU:

What is your image? What kind of actor could you be? What training have you done? What training do you need to do? Are your skills in musical theatre? Do you present? Are you a serious actor? Would you like to do voice-overs? Do you have any special talents? Once you have completed your research, call and make contact. Follow the step-by-step instructions given over the phone about the agency’s procedures.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

How would you market me?
Do you work in Television, Film, and Commercials, as well as Theatre?
Do you think I need to change my image?
How much money will I have to invest immediately and in the long term?
If they ask for monies up front, ask what for it’s for?
It is normal for an agent to get a repro of you. They should also insure that you are in ‘Spotlight’. This is a directory used by the industry both here and the USA, which ensures that your face is on every casting director’s desk. They will also discuss whether you need a voice tape/CD and it’s always good to get a show-reel, which can be either on Video or CD or both.
How much commission do you take?
How do I get paid?
i.e.: BACS (Bank Automated Credit System)or Cheque
What are the rates?
i.e. do you work to the union agreements.
Can you help me get my Equity card?
Although its not essential to have a union card, it does help you if you ever go into a dispute over your pay or conditions. They are also the people who negotiate along with your agent your rates of pay the more support the union gets from actors the more power they have in any pay negotiations.
You have not needed a Union Card to work in the UK since 1989. It does denote a Professional performer.
Do you require exclusive or non-exclusive contracts?
What are the terms on the contract?
It takes an agent a good year to establish a good rapport with both yourself and clients this is really the minimum time that you should give any agent that is working on your behalf. Don’t worry if things don’t happen over night.
How long is the contract term?

AUDITIONS:

An Audition is simply an appointment arranged by your agent, for you to cast for potential roles. You’ll meet clients, such as casting directors, directors, and producers. You may spend an entire day going from one audition to another. So be as organized. When you have auditions typed neatly on a sheet of paper, Initially castings may cause a certain amount of tension, but they become easier as you gain confidence and more experience. Ask for the correct address, if possible directions, and parking specifics as well as building or studio access regulations or instructions keep good and up to date maps of the areas where you audition and work It helps to have a good map and/of up-to-date A-Z of the areas where you wish to work and Audition (i.e. London A-Z) always be on time. For the castings, call the casting studio if you’re going to be late. Wear clean conservative clothing; not too dressy, not too casual or ask the your agent’s advice about your wardrobe. Make sure you know about dress requirements before the audition. So remember, “Easy on the make-up”. You should always arrive 10 minutes early if there is a script. “Give yourself a break”. “Take a bit of time, always go into the castings relaxed.” Remember: when you arrive give yourself a few minutes to sort yourself out, relax, take your time, this is your time, to show the people casting what you can do as an actor, so when you enter the casting: remember if you weren’t right for the part the casting director would have never invited you to audition. You may know some of the other actors at the casting: never be nervous of this, they could be up for other roles; everyone stands an equal chance of getting the part at a casting. So try to always be confident that the part is yours. The casting can last thirty seconds or thirty minutes. You don’t take the directors comments personally. Meet the casting director politely, and when you feel the casting has come to an end, smile graciously, say "thank you" and leave the room. If the Casting Director asks repro and CV, leave one. Although you may have had a bad journey, this must not show when you get through that door. Bring a book to read; you may have to wait minutes, even hours, so be patient. If you have another castings to go to, tell the receptionist politely. They may be able to schedule your audition a bit sooner. When you sit down for the casting, Always let the casting director take the lead. If the casting director leaves the room, do not stand impatiently or wander around. Your audition begins the moment you enter the room. Be positive about yourself, going in through that door knowing you’ve got that job. You may be asked to show both sides of your hands to camera. When asked for your profile turn to the left and face the wall, then, when asked, turn right and face the wall. Remember to lift your hair from the side of your face so they can get a clear look at your profile Always be ready to reverse roles. Listen to the director; always be prepared to do things another way Never direct the other actors even if their performance is awful. Try to identify by name the individuals, casting directors, directors, producers, and assistants, etc. After the audition, write down the names of the people who saw you, and add it to your files for future reference.