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Question: I am 13 years old and want an agent, am I ready!?
I am 13, and I have been in several musicals, I have taken a couple years of voice and dance lessons, and I have taken a few acting classes!. I believe that I have a lot of talent, and my parents are fully supportive of me working in the acting business!. I live near new york city, and I really want to send out my head shot and resume to some agents!. If you don't think that I am ready, what else can I do to get more experience!? I would like to one day be an actress on television and in films!. Are there any good acting schools or agents that you recommend in the New Jersey/ New York area!? Thanks so much! Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
If your parents are supportive and ready to do the leg-work for you, then there is no harm is seeking an agent!. You have experience and training and at 13 that's ahead of the game!. They don't require or expect as much experience from someone your age as they do from an adult actor, so if you have headshots, it seems absolutely worth submitting to several agents!.
It can sometimes take years to find a good agent who will work hard for you!. Keep up your training and anytime you're in a production, send the agents and casting directors you're interested in a note letting them know what you're up to and inviting them to come see it (make sure that you can get free tickets for them and a guest!.)
Do your research (or have your parents do their research) on the agent/agency before signing - if you're offered something!. Particularly be cautious and make sure it's the right agent/agency for you if they want you to sign an exclusive contract with them (meaning you can't have other agents for that particular market!.)
Don't let your excitement and expectations and ambitions about becoming a professional actor cloud your better judgment when seeking an agent!. Just be very careful!. I understand everyone's concern about the first poster, since that really isn't the way legit agencies find talent - by posting on yahoo answers and saying that you sound just like what we need!. When I hear phrases from agents/agencies who has never met someone face to face or seen their full resume say "you sound like what we need" it makes my "caution radar" go up!. It sounds like the beginning of a scam to me - starting to build up your hopes!.
So try not to get upset with the people who are trying to help protect you, by cautioning you about the first post!. Again, do your research and have your parents research any agency you may want to submit to!. I looked at the Dorothy Palmer website and was not personally impressed!. The website was poorly constructed and only one of the actors posted was actually SAG (screen actors guild - the professional union for movie actors)!. So that right there, makes me wonder how legit they are and if they're SAG franchised!.
I looked up SAG franchised agencies off of the SAG website http://www!.sag!.org/node/667 and it looks like they are SAG fanchised!. But you'll still want to be careful, use common sense and do your research!.
People have different experiences with different agents - you can read varying things about Dorothy Palmer here: http://bbs!.backstage!.com/eve/forums/a/tp!.!.!.
Hope this helps!.
Www@QuestionHome@Com
My god, surely nobody actually took Zach seriously!? What are the chances the person he (jokingly) claims to be would be here!? Zip!
Anyway, I reckon you could have a look in the phone book for an agent or try actors equity if there still is such a place!. You may not have the agents falling over themselves but someone may be happy to take you on!. Start ringing and find out, won't cost you much except time!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
If you live in NY I suggest innovative arts!. They represent many successful actors!. also when considering an agency to audition for make sure they do not charge an upfront fee!. If they do they are a scam!. Auditioning for agencies doesn't really take much experience!. Raw talent is definitely enough!. Www@QuestionHome@Com
You are in luck, actually I am the undersecretary to Dorothy Palmer in New York City, and you sound like just what we are looking for!.
Call me at (212) 765-4280 extension 2341 we will set up a meeting!. Www@QuestionHome@Com
and I'm the Queen call me on UK 020 7321 2233
Check that out it's on her website too so it must be true!
No offense meant, I just think Zach is trying to get deleted for some reason and your taking him tooooo seriously!
But Good luck with your thing!
Parents! May wanna listen to them!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Be careful when someone has a ready answer like the one above!. There are many wolves is sheep's clothing in the acting department!.
Frequently, (there have been documentaries done on this) a young girl is lured into a situation that sounds just like what she wants, but after she's on a contract, she ends up in porno movies!.
Or worse! Rape, torture, lots of things!. Not to mention your reputation being ruined!.
Check the Better Business Bureau for information about any leads you get!.
www!.bbb!.org
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I just looked it up a few minutes ago and this is what the BBB says about the Dorothy Palmer Talent Agency:
---- "This is NOT a BBB Accredited business!."
Talk to your parents! Have them read my response!.Www@QuestionHome@Com