Do you need a theatrical agent? Are you ready for one?

You're an actor just getting started, jumping back into the film and television industry after taking a break, or feeling stuck. 

Hi, I’m Nancy Nave, and I’ve been a working actor in film and television for over 15 years. Now, I also coach actors on the business of the industry so you stay on the straightest path and know the red flags to look out for.

First, let’s talk about what a talent agent does for an actor. 

The main objective is that the talent agent gets good quality auditions for their clients, negotiates contracts, and has great relationships with casting directors. The better their relationship with casting directors, the more respected the agent is and the more relevant it is to the casting director when they submit an actor for an audition. Basically, your agent is referring you as a quality actor to this casting Director for a specific audition.

They are your referral to others in the business.

As human nature would have it, we like to work with people we know, or at minimum, we like to work with people respected by those we know. So a good talent agent, known for having good judgment of quality actors, is respected by casting directors. This is who you want representing you.

But, are you ready for an agent?

 What are you agreeing to by having an agent? Here’s what most agents expect from their clients:

1. When an agent does the work to submit you for an audition, and the casting director selects you to audition for that project, the agent expects the actor to accept and give a good audition. 
2. If you are not available to audition, repeatedly, you will be wasting your agency’s time, and taking a slot from another actor in their agency, who could’ve had that audition. Not to mention creating a questionable reputation for yourself with the casting Director.
3.  Also, if your acting skills are not up to par with the level of auditions your agent is getting you, that will be a big problem. A bad audition can hurt your chances of being brought back to that casting director in the future. It also makes your talent agent look bad for referring you for that audition. When an agent repeatedly submits an actor, who auditions badly to a casting Director, that will definitely hurt their reputation. 

So here’s two quick questions to answer for yourself:

1.  Do I have the time commitment, and energy to follow through with every audition my agent gets me? 
2. Am I confident in my skills as an actor that I can give good, competitive auditions and be prepared to be on a working television or film set?

 Remember, when you book an audition, that means you are headed to a live, working set. You could be working with any other actor. This could mean another newer actor, or it could mean working alongside Julia Roberts, Robert, De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio…

 Would you freak out, or do you have the mental and emotional maturity to do good work on set? Remember, all actors are peers, it’s just that some are more respected, more skilled, have a lot more experience, and are famous. 

 These are just a few things to consider when asking yourself if you’re ready for an agent. After all, this is a business. Time and money are on the line.

 So if this makes you uncomfortable in any way, maybe you need a little more time building your skill level in class and working on smaller, independent sets, continuing to gain experience and building your résumé and acting reel.

There’s no rush to get an agent.

When you feel you are ready for bigger roles, more responsibility, and have the time to commit as a professional, then go back and ask yourself those questions again. And when the answer is yes, you are ready, then we go into the next subject of, "How do I get an agent?"

 If you’re ready, and want direct training at your own pace, go to my website at thecraftyactor.com and get my full course on How To Get An Agent. It’ll take you through researching and finding a good agent, contacting the agency, and prepping for your agency interview. Remember that first impressions in this industry are everything! Don’t wing it. Go in prepared. Show them the professional they will be working with.

 Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more information on working in film and television.

 That’s it for today!

I’m Nancy Nave, and break a leg!