If you've decided that you're absolutely ready and prepared and it's time to find representation, just how do you go about it? Obviously the most effective method of enlisting a representative is to have the agent or manager approach you. Doing a dynamite job in a show which they've attended to see one of their other clients will get them familiar with and hopefully interested in your work. A personal introduction by that other client couldn't hurt either.
Failing that opportunity to show off what you can do in the context of a performance, your opportunities become more limited and your success is likely to achieve diminishing returns. A personal recommendation by a client will carry far less weight than when it's accompanied by a chance to see your work. And cold calls and unsolicited submission of resumes can result in irritation.
Does that mean you're out of luck? No, not necessarily. Many agents and managers (but not all, mind you) are on the constant lookout for new talent and are happy to receive postcards and/or photo/resume submissions. They may respond with follow-up requests, including offers to talk or arrange a personal audition. (Very few are happy to hear from prospective clients via the phone -- heck, a lot of 'em don't even like to hear from current clients via the phone!)
Listings of agents and managers can be found in the monthly publication, the Ross Reports Television & Film, published by BPI Communications. (Once upon a time the Ross Reports was split into several publications including Ross Reports USA Personal Managers but has recently combined; now the only publication devoted to listing personal managers is Henderson's Personal Managers Directory.) In addition to listing most of the franchised agents, they generally also detail the types of talent the agents represent (SAG, AFTRA, Equity), the agents' areas of specialization (legit, film, TV, commercials, etc.), and the agents' submission policies (i.e., "Photos and resumes are accepted by mail only. Don't phone. Don't visit.") Managers do not appear in every issue (if at all). Although, for obvious reasons, a preponderance of the listed agencies are in the New York and Los Angeles markets, the Ross Reports lists agencies in many other states as well.
But how do you know you can trust a manager or agent to do what you're (ostensibly) paying them to do? Find out in our next installment.
Special thanks to personal manager John Essay for his knowledge
and input on this series.
And don't forget to check out the burgeoning VERY,
VERY, BIG, LARGE LIST OF THEATRICAL AWARDS, expanding and
engulfing the resources of the web even as you read this!
Managing Your Representation - Pt. 1
Originally published at Suite101.com Theatre, 4/17/01
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