Michelle Danner is considered one of the top acting coaches in Los Angeles as well as film and stage director and author.
Acting tips: from acting coach Michelle Danner
How do I get an agent?
Are you looking for an agent? If you’re planning on becoming an actor, you better be. Agents have the inside edge when it comes to helping you land a role. The difference between a working actor and an actor waiting tables can be the right representation. If you’re in the market for an agent, here’s how to find one:
1. What to Look For
Anyone can call themselves an agent. It’s not unusual for budding actors to get duped by people claiming to represent people in the business. True talent agents are licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. If you are looking for an agent, visit the Call Sheet website. The site lists agents that are franchised and licensed. You can locate an agent by region, genre, and medium.
2. Start in Your Region
If you are just cutting your acting teeth, you don’t want to hire an agent that lives thousands of miles away. Instead, look for an agent that works with actors in your region. For example, if you live in Pittsburgh, the closest talent agent may be in Philadelphia. Even though the agent may be located in a different city, he’ll still be familiar with actors in your area and know how to find you work.
3. Find a Workshop
There are such things as actors’ workshops where you can find an agent. At these workshops, actors, talent agents and casting directors come together to meet. You will have to pay to attend one of these workshops, but the benefit to you is that you get to meet several agents at one time. The money you have to pay is well worth the time you’ll save searching for an agent.
4. Set Up a Meeting
Once you’ve found several agents that you are interested working with, set up meetings. The only way to get a true feel for a person is to sit down one-to-one and have a conversation. Be yourself and take any criticisms offered as constructive. You’ll ultimately want an agent who is honest with you, not one that tells you only what you want to hear. Remember that you’re going to expect your agent to find you work; let them help you improve yourself so that they can do their job.
5. Ask for References
Before you decide on which agent you’ll hire, ask for references. You should also find out exactly how many actors the agent represents. Too few clients should alert you just as quickly as too many. The agent you hire should have enough clients to keep them busy, but not so many that you get lost in the shuffle.
Finding an agent is an important part of becoming a working actor. It’s the rare actor who becomes a success without proper representation. If you follow the tips above, you can be sure that you hired the right talent agent to represent you.
To learn about the ACTING SCHOOL & ACTING CLASSES and to be considered for enrollment call to schedule a one on one interview with Michelle Danner. Michelle Danner is an international film director & acting coach. Her student list include James Franco, Seth MacFarlane, Salma Hayek, Henry Cavill, Zooey Deschanel, Gerard Butler, Chris Rock, Chris Martin, Penelope Cruz, Michael Pena, Michelle Rodriguez, Kate Del Castillo and many others.
Her acting technique & philosophy called “The Golden Box”is based on the Meisner Technique, Lee Strasberg’s Method, Stella Adler, Stanislavski’s System, Uta Hagen, and the Chekhov technique.
