Do get a talent agent do you necessarily have to have experience in theatre?

Question:Or any drama classes infact if you're really good? Because looking at some successful actors/actresses today I see that some of them got auditions without any real experince or training in drama school or colleges.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Or any drama classes infact if you're really good? Because looking at some successful actors/actresses today I see that some of them got auditions without any real experince or training in drama school or colleges.

It depends on the agent. You don't necessarily need one for your first job though, look for open auditions. In New York and LA there's lots of work available for people willing to work for free to build a resume. Unfortunately, there's even more actors, so even free work is hard to get. In smaller towns, there's community theater and occasional open casting anywhere.

Some agents will work with you without experience, especially if you have a look that interests them (which may or may not be the same as being good looking). However, many won't. My cousin is an agent in Hollywood and he wouldn't even talk to my friend who starred in a play in Cleveland because he doesn't "break people". You have to have your first big break before he'll even consider you. If an agent thinks they can get you work that will pay for their time, they'll probably take you.

Its a catch 22. To be in film you have to be a member of SAG, to be in most paying theatre in NYC AFTRA or EQUITY, to get a decent chance at a job in one of those productions/shootings you should have a Agent who works with SAG/AFTRA/Equity. Most of those agents won't take you unless you already are in the guild SAG/AFTRA/ or Equity, and even then its difficult to get the agent. About only way to get agent without these is through a friend or if he sees you in a showcase and is blown away (which odds are won't happen) so, do you have to have an agent? No but you're chances will improve significantly with a good one, otherwise you are pretty much restricted to open cattle calls. Another way to get your guild cards is working in the guild as an extra or some small thing for x amount of hours... FYI

The ones who got a break without any background in theater, or formal training in acting, got their chances in exchange for giving sexual favors. If you want a break into acting with no background in theater, I'd suggest you keep your self open to all possibilities of what they expect from you to get your chance.

Wow - these are all excellent answers. I hope you take them seriously. Here is a good argument for college and/or training - In one of the most (if not *the* most) competitive industry in the word, why would you not want all the advantage and edge you can get?

I do not know one single true story about someone getting off the bus in New York or Hollywood and walking into a major show or movie. Remember the "overnight" success of Marissa Jaret Winokur? It was trumped up. She has already been in New York for years and in fact, was a minor role in the Broadway production of "Grease."

One actor in twelve-thousand that comes to New York actually ends up in a Broadway show. Even less of the actors that go to LA end up in major films. Give yourself and edge and learn something, whydoncha? You'll get further.

Expereience and training always help. Being attractive helps. Having a degree in theatre is no help.