My Journey
If you’re on the look out a talent agency, take a look at how I landed representation in Los Angeles, Chicago and Kansas City. I feel that if I share my experience, you might gain a different perspective on how to secure a talent agent for yourself. I’ll strive to explain this as concisely and swiftly as possible, even though it might sound random at times – it’s only because it is.
Kansas City Talent Agent
I obtained my first acting agent when I was a high school senior. My drama teacher at the time (shout out to Mrs. Averill) took our class on a field trip to meet her agent and gain further industry insight. We were given commercial scripts to practice with. After performing, I was pulled aside, where the owner/president brought up the topic of representation. A few weeks later, I met with her again to discuss contracts, officially gaining my first talent agent.
Kansas City Talent Agent #2
After about four years, I transitioned to a different agent in college. My school’s director and teacher invited her agent to a theatre production I was in. Approached by her, we discussed contracts and I signed on.
Los Angeles Talent Agent
Upon graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles. A colleague from Kansas, who had also moved to LA to become a professional barber, referred my name when a client inquired about industry representation. I got in touch with the agent, had a meeting, and signed on. Quite random, right? As I mentioned! Since this agent operated in a different region than my Kansas City agent, I was allowed to keep both.
Chicago Talent Agent
Recently, my career underwent a shift (reasons I’ll explain later), prompting me to search for another agent. This time, I had no referrals, but I aimed for the Chicago market. I began cold submitting, a strategy I had never tried before. Impostor syndrome crept in more than I’d like to admit, as my previous agents seemed like mere happenstance. I cast a wide net while focusing on the agents I truly wanted. Ultimately, I secured a meeting with a top Chicago agency. We discussed contracts, and I signed on. I now have a total of three agents in three different regions, including my newly acquired one.
What You Should Know About Out-of-State Representation
As you now know, I am represented in Los Angeles, Chicago and Kansas City, but this comes with some major complexities that I think you should know. If you happen to land an interview with an agent out-of-state, they are going to want to know if you can work as a local. Working as a local means that if you book a role in their state, production will not have to pay to get you out there. This means, you will have to pay your own way, which is completely out-of-pocket.
I repeat, you will have to out-of-pocket.
Every commercial I booked in Los Angeles, I paid for my own flight, lodging, food and any additional expenses. Often times, these flights were last minute and many of my trips lasted 5 days or more. Talk about money. Sheesh.
The same goes for auditions, you pay out of pocket. Audition’s are often last minute and agencies need to know you’re committed to going to auditions. If you don’t show up, you can’t book a job, and if you don’t book a job, you don’t get paid. Catch my drift?
Remember: They don’t make money unless you make money.
If you want an agent in a region other than where you reside, understand this:
- You must be committed to showing up for auditions.
- You must be committed to showing up for bookings.
- You usually have to pay your own way.
This is why getting an agent out-of-state doesn’t always work out, but if you’re committed to the process, let them know that!
Key Takeaways
- Every experience is unique.
My agents were never acquired the same way, and yours won’t be either. We all have our individual journeys, often shaped by the industry’s unexpected twists.
- Cold submitting does work.
Don’t give up. While I used to think referrals were essential, I was mistaken. Stay consistent, and if there’s radio silence, resubmit in six months. In the meantime…
- Keep honing your craft.
You know the saying, ‘When preparation meets opportunity’? So, when/if you do resubmit, your resume will always reflect additional growth…so continue growing.
Remember, this is your career, and you can chart your own course. There’s no singular right path, so remain open and committed to the process.
Always,
Ashley
