When you're pursuing a professional acting career, having an agent is key. Agents get their actors' auditions, they build careers and can open doors with meetings with casting directors. There are several things that acting agents look for when they're considering taking on a new client. Read on to find out more about what things agents think are important when considering an actor for their agency.
Significance
Most agents will first look at actors' credits when they are considering them for representation. They want to see if the actor has booked work on film and TV, as this will make it easier to submit them for roles. The more credits that an actor has, the better the chance that an agent will take them on. There is also a better chance that agents at A-list agencies will take an actor on when he or she has several solid credits on film and television.
Agents also like to see theater experience on a resume. Most agents consider theater work a good indication that an actor is serious about their craft.
Commercial agents also look for improv experience and comedy credits, as this type of experience tends to help commercial actors book jobs.
Function
The function of an agent is to get work for their client and to negotiate deals for actors. Therefore, the agent will want to first know if an actor can act. Generally, when actors meet with agents, they are required to perform a monologue or a scene with a partner. The monologue and/or the scene can be dramatic or comedic, depending on the request of the agent.
Sometimes, if the actor doesn't have much professional experience, but they impress the agent with their monologue, the agent may take them on any way.
It is absolutely important that an actor has a prepared and memorized monologue ready when they meet with an agent. The monologue should showcase the actor's range.
Types
Agents will also want to see training on actors' resumes when they are considering them for representation. Cold reading, scene study and improv classes, along with technique classes focusing on Meisner or Stanislavsky, are the top classes that agents look for. Some agents prefer that their clients take classes at specific acting schools, or can be impressed when a potential client has studied with a coach whose work they know well.
Considerations
If you're meeting with a commercial agent, the agent will want to know all about your special skills. Special skills can include cheerleading, baton twirling, yoga and even fishing. The more special skills you have on your resume, the better. Commercials always cast a variety of roles and looks, and sometimes they cast roles based on if the client can perform a particular skill.
Warning
Many reputable agencies are wary of taking on new actors if they are over 18 or 21. Agents generally like to consider clients who are SAG members and who have a couple of film and TV credits under their belts. However, there are many agents that will consider non-union actors who have no professional credits because they believe in their talent. Actors will have a better chance at representation, however, if they are at least SAG eligible.
