Where can I invite talents scouts to a performance?

Question:I'm currently involved in the production of High School Musical at my local theater. This is the first time that the play is being performed in the Florida Panhandle, and our cast is bursting with talent. I'd really like to invite an agent or two to attend our production in hopes that one of us may be able to use our talent professionally. Does anybody know of a way to contact a talent scout for our production?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm currently involved in the production of High School Musical at my local theater. This is the first time that the play is being performed in the Florida Panhandle, and our cast is bursting with talent. I'd really like to invite an agent or two to attend our production in hopes that one of us may be able to use our talent professionally. Does anybody know of a way to contact a talent scout for our production?

Note that legitimate talent agents will only consider working with you if you already have a strong combination of training and experience.

But that doesn't mean you can't start marketing yourself if you're in it for the long haul.

Three weeks before and again a week before, send a headshot postcard to talent agents (avoid management companies or consulting services) in your area and mention the show and the performance location and times. Mention that you'll "comp" (cover the cost of) the ticket (arrange this with the box office in advance).

More than a postcard is probably a waste, as it will likely go right to the garbage can. Frankly, the postcard will probably get no more than a glance before hitting the trash can, but if they see your face again and again as they flip through the mail, they're likely to start paying closer attention. (And it might just be an assistant screening through such mail.)

Hopefully your producer will sending press packets to the local press. If not, you should do this yourself.

If you tell us exactly where, we might be able to suggest some agents. A lot of agents are for on-camera work only, so let us know which.

Sending tickets in the mail, as another has suggested, is a bad idea if the tickets cost you money, as there's a good chance they'll end up in the trash. They might return them to you, if you're lucky.

Pick up a copy of Ross Reports or do a search to locate the your local agencies ( but do a bit of background search to confirm they are legitimate) then create a small press package for your show. You can include some pictures/resumes of the more experienced actors, a sheet with brief bios of the actors, director, etc. A flyer for the show, a couple of free tickets and a letter introducing your group. Make it easy for them to attend.

If you don't have the money to mail off the press package then just send the letter with the sheet of bios and info on how they can get their free tickets and be sure they get the press package upon arrival.

The key is to get them excited about the potential talent and make it easy and desirable for them to attend.

Sending an invitation with tickets (4) is a good idea. Do not worry about others' comments about film only or lots of experience, if they should happen to come and happen to be impressed by someone those things do not matter. Do not invite Powers or Casablancas, who will only scam your students.