Acting : No Agent. by Robert Francis

Robert I'm in the same boat as you. I've learned that you have to stay grinding on all the different casting sites. It's a lil frustrating but you will be surprised how many jobs you can find on your own.

Are there any film groups in Seattle or on Facebook? There are 5 or 6 films groups for actors, filmmakers, etc in Portland on FB and lots of auditions are posted. Also film festival challenges such as the 48hr film project are a great way to get on projects and some exposure.

The agent wants you to pay? For what?

Move to New York or L.A. and get your career going. I know it sounds like tough love but if you want a shot a this business, you have be where ist's happening. My move would be New york and start networking. Gopd luck and break a leg.

I remember hearing from many actors that if they want money for them being an agent, than it is definitely a scam . To find an agent you need to have ALOT of experience ( atleast in the NYC/NJ area ) to be considered for anything. If you want to do it on your own however , I would maybe recommend Central Casting( for extra work) , casting networks ( both principle + extra) , and backstage ( mostly principal) to find work. However, all of these services cost money at variable rates so it will be hard to stick to certain program ( backstage has a weekly magazine , but you will not get the updated information as you would on there website) This is mostly based in the NY / NJ ( maybe LA aswell) area tho so idk how it will be in Seattle in terms of casting notices . Just browse around and see what fits ya fancy.. Hope I helped ya anyway I can

A respected agent is necessary as they have the skill level to negotiate the legal issues in regards to contracts which can be a mine field. As well any respected agent has the contacts to get you auditions on films and Tv shows which you would not get a shot at normally. So if you think you don't need an agent you're kidding yourself. Every professional actor has an agent....do your research.

Practice, Practice Practice and OUTFLOW, OUTFLOW, AND MORE OUTFLOW = INFLOW. Good head shots a re a must have. You also need to invest in your career. Have a look at this website. www.neilschell.com and let me know what you think?

Any Agency, script reader or anyone that asks for up front money…RUN!

I couldn't agree with you more Jason. If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

It's not even that Salvatore...I live in Hollywood and have been behind the scenes on some of these scams on people...they are vultures looking to take advantage on the new clueless people in town...or in this case out of town. Another scam is 1000 for head shots or even 500...all preying upon people who don't know better...it's really sad!

Well said Jason.

I'm on the same boat. I've been looking for an agent in the Philadelphia area to help book me some paid work but they demand I spend money and take their acting classes. I've already had classes with a private coach and when I tell them that all of a sudden they don't get back to me about their open calls. It's very frustrating. I wish I had more positive advice to share with you.

Carmela, I share your frustration. If an agent wants money up front and wants you to take their acting classes, my recommendation would be, run like hell. I'm sure there are legitimate acting classes in your area like community colleges etc and don't be afraid to ask for references of other people who have taken their classes and also have a look throughout this website. Googling the acting school is also a good place to start too.

That's not frustration Carmela, that's Spidey Senses…they want clueless newcomers who will listen to them spoon feed you "How Great You Are" and buy, whatever it is they're selling! ….BUT, as far as acting classes, if anyone is serious about starting acting, you should be in a class, and rotate them every once in a while too. Also do as much theater as you can, it will help you grow your confidence….Acting is a craft, like anything behind the lens as well, the more you do it the more you will learn and the stronger more comfortable person you will be when someone yells, "ACTION!" at you…best to all you do this, it takes time and dedication to make it in this business :)

IT'S ALL IN THE DESIRE! and you ONLY get fed if you stay at the table…those who quit starve.

PERSEVERANCE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN LIFE. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS Carmela

of pay you receive from jobs they have gotten you auditions for, period. They cannot become a signatory without agreeing to that condition. There are open calls listed in the trades and it is possible to get hired through those. Not common, but it does happen. Do any showcase you can and invite agents.

grr, NO reputable agent will ask for money to represent you. SAG/AFTRA and AEA limit all signatory agents' comission at 10%.

Take acting classes not through an agent but at an acting studio and ask around and find out which agencies are good. And while you're at it make friends with the good actors in the class and use them as a referral for when you go in and meet with their agent.

Excellent advice from Dan

Hey Robert, I'm also in the Seattle area and would be happy to help with suggestions. Everyone else is correct that if an agent is requiring you to pay them up front for acting classes, etc I would walk swiftly in the other direction. However, there are some good reputable agents in town if you're planning to work in this market. Big Fish NW is mine, and some others include Topo Swope, TCM, Tiffany Talent, the Actors Group, and Actors First; however, most of these are going to require that you demonstrate at lease a bit of experience first (I know, catch 22 right?) To find some gigs without an agent, there are a number of callboard/listing services you can use, though. Northwest Film Form has a free callboard you can sign up for, and Performer's Callboard has also been around a good while and is a great resource (though they recently started charging a small annual fee for it.) A lot of these posts are for unpaid student work, but paid work does occasionally come through as well, and it's a good way to build up your resume if you're having trouble getting an agent. If you're really looking for good-paying commercial work in Seattle or any market, an agent is still going to be your best bet. Another good resource is Theatre Puget Sound; there's a $50 annual fee to join and they are more focused on theater than commercial work, but their audition listing system is one of the best and it does include a lot of film projects as well, both paid and not. They're also a great resource for headshot photographers, legit acting classes, advice from other actors, etc. And if you want to take some acting classes in town to stay sharp and make some good connections, try Freehold Theater or the Seattle Film School - they have lots of classes year-round, many of which are taught by some excellent local professionals. I hope this helps!

Thank you guys so much for the response! It sounds like I will need an agent but just go about it the right way. Get some work under my belt network and weed out the scams and vultures of the industry. This has helped me alot, thank you guys for taking the time to reply.

Best of luck to you

Robert, it's all about creatives helping creatives. What goes around comes around.

I'm having the same problem thanks for the tips guys

If your big ambition is to be an actor you must live in LA or NYC. No way around it. If you don't want to make that commitment then start by reading my book, How to Make YOur AUdience Fall in Love WIth you. You will learn a lot of practical ways to get the job. Risk! Have a perfect technique. Use charm and humor and energy.

This is the type of occuopation that one must be bold enough to make scary dissisions. Is it worth it? If you want it one must go for it .

Wait, no I don't agree with these posts. Stay in Seattle people, work on your craft there. I've lived in NY and now in LA. These are eat you alive towns if all you have is a dream when you get there. You can find about about small local jobs through classes and message boards in your area so do the local networking scene. Join online submission platforms that post local jobs. Actors Access is a good one. Once you have some credits then look for an agent who can cast local hires. They may be based in LA and you can come down for some interviews. And, if your pictures are really you look for a commercial agent. Money is what you get from commercial work and that's good. You can make some connections just through auditioning too. Best of luck to you both.

I agree with Sandra about bringing good credit and preparation to LA and NY

I was fortunate enough to have Vincent Price when I was at ACT years ago and that is exactly what he advised. Mr. Price said Don't go to LA or New York but hone your craft and it will take you there. I followed his advice and it not only took me there but I have been blessed to work around the world. Don't jump in with the sharks let the fools do that... Will give you more room to swim. Sandra is spot on.

I totally agree with Sandra, Rick, Jr and the others who have stated it's best to work in familiar surroundings and hone your skill there and be the best you can be. Stand out among the crowd.

Honestly, you think you are going to find the best classes in the boonies? No, and you won't make contacts from classes outside LA that will get you jobs. My students give each other the names of agents with a recommendation. I just got my students paying jobs they can use for their reels. I introduced some of them to a top top manager. I never guarantee that but it happens. Last night some of them who needed reels did scenes together with a Red camera. If you want to make it big, you come here to LA or go to NYC. If you want a relaxed and happy life in the boonies that is a choice and a fine one but don't fool yourselves that it can lead to stardom. Here you have a chance, a slim on but my students work in films and TV all the time. Check out DerynWarren.com and read a chapter of my book. I hope that inspires you to get a copy. I love actors who read. All of you should have read AUDITION by Shurtleff, too.

I don't know if I agree with that. You can build connections and get work in other cities. I have. Not every movie is filmed in LA or new York. In the last 4 months I've had 8 speaking parts 2 on feature films 6 on shorts. I've met lots of people that make a living doing this and even book la jobs from here because they known in the industry. One of the acting teachers here has 90 credits on imdb all sag films he is very well known and he teaches too. And where do I live? Salt Lake City, Utah of all places. It's not a city with a lot going on and there are people working. You can make it happen anywhere. You just have to be good, have a work ethic and hustle.

We all have to consider where the advice is coming from or we will be bending every which way like grass in the wind. I appreciate the opinions of more experienced folks and that they take time to post. However, 'to thine own self be true' is some classic advice. Personally, I do read books on the craft, I take classes, I do everything I can to look for the work I want and, I think I still have a lot more to learn and a lot farther to go.

Deryn Warren, I hear you on the casting agent level. I have been fortunate to be successful in the entertainment business for over 35 years and have lived and worked professionally in LA, New York, France, Spain, England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, India, Japan, New Zealand, Australia as well as logged in my time on several Pirate productions in the Carri-bean. I am sure you have some contacts in LA and New York and are having success in your classes. Bravo! I have been blessed with over 350 Artist in residency appointments in Major University's internationally as well as long appointments as a associate director at ACT in SF and The Drama Studio London not to mention teaching at National and professional acting in all those countries and I love the energy and gifts that were presented. As a classically trained actor and working successfully as a director, producer in the entertainment industry has allowed me time and experience to see and live many levels of opportunity. I think all the energy and creative you speak of is not of only LA or New York. Got the t-shirt. If you are in your moment and feel you are making success in your craft and inspiring others I applaud you. It is just the fact there in no one way to hit the highway. Staying outside the box and not going for the trendy suggestions just appeal to some more than others and success comes in many packages. More important than looking for the next gimmick or that super contact that is going to make you a star...I think polishing your craft and honing your skills is a given where ever you are with a tough skin and plenty of blood sweat and skills is the more prudent way to approach life. Wishing you continued success in all that you do...

Hi Sandra. Yes, I would agree with your take. One must filter out all the information that is available to them at any given moment. One can get easily caught up in the myriad of available information out there.

Hi Dan. Quite the success you're having. Keep at it. I also agree with your work ethic. I can see that being an actor is your passion, as it is mine. Good luck in all your endeavors.

Alle I just LOVE your passion. So much energy it crackles on my computer!

To each his own. We all are individualists.

Wow Alle that's a great comment. Robert this might help you Like Alle said there is no right or wrong way. But I can tell you this from my own experience over half of my projects came from knowing someone or meeting a director or another actor at some meet and greet so take that into consideration you might meet a Casting Director that likes the conversation you had with him/her and decides to give you a call because you look just right for the part and they already like you...lol. All you really have to do is show up and show them what you have, so to speak. Good luck pal this is a tough business and in my opinion you have to be absolutely crazy and half off your rocker to want it. But I would guess that I'm in good company.

Good advice from a fellow creative.