Q&A for How to Get a Talent Agent

A good talent agent has experience in the field you want to work in. For instance, if you want to be on Broadway, look for agencies that specialize in theater actors.

Look up an agency you want to look for, then search Google to find out which actors are represented by those agents. Then, when you find actors who seem to have similar goals to you, reach out to them online to ask them questions about the agency. If you can connect with them, stay in touch and build a relationship over the course of a few months. Eventually, you can ask them to introduce you to their agent.

Search for open casting calls in your area. Try practicing monologues in the mirror, and research how to become a self-taught actor.

It's probably best to look or auditions in the closest city to where you live. If you're really set on a far-away role, you could check to see if it's possible to to submit a video audition.

You will need money for headshots and a few other expenses, but usually your agent should not get paid until you book a job.

You should never pay up front for an agent. An agent is only supposed to get paid when a client is working, and they usually take 10% of the profits.

You qualify as a child if you're under 18, so you need to involve an adult who knows what they're doing. Ask a drama teacher or someone involved in the industry, even a TV presenter, cameraman or editor. They can help you find an agent using websites or personal knowledge/experience.

Yes, you should have agents for each field in which you work. Agents tend to have connections in specific fields, so if you do different kinds of work, say acting and photography, you will need people with those connections. In some fields, like acting, you may even need different agents for different types of jobs, including film, television, or commercial acting.

Not a good idea. Castings go to higher agencies and professional agents. If you are your own agent, you will not go any further than guest roles and extras.

Try looking on various websites or see if you can find someone who knows any agents. You parents should be a part of this process as well since you are still a minor.

It would probably be your choice. Some actors are homeschooled (or schooled on set) while others try to attend public school whenever possible. It would likely depend on where your school is and where you're filming.

An agent doesn't need money from you. He only gets money if he got you to an audition and you've been hired.

If you mean a talk show, then you probably need to have achieved some fame first. If you mean a TV or Netflix show, then you just need to apply.

Yes, but it's better to meet the agent in person before committing to any particular agency.

Ask if it's possible to do the audition by Skype or other video program. They will say no if it's too hard for them but you might as well ask.

Backstage.com is a good source. You can also go to playbill.com and filter for casting sessions in your area.

You're never too old to follow your dreams! All you'd need to do is probably review over what you've done so far over the years, and if you believe that you have talent, go for it.

Tell your parents that you're serious about acting. This should help them understand a little more. A great tip before going for an agent is just start off small. Ask your parents if can join a local theatre group or take drama classes. When you do this, make sure that you try extremely hard and make sure that your parents can tell you're serious. Then see if any other opportunities or auditions pop up. Websites like Fame Street have international kids and adult auditions, too. Try, try, and try again. But remember that it's always best to show your parents something, not directly tell them.

Yes, you can register with as many casting agents as you want. When first starting your acting career, it is most important to be able to get one casting agent, then getting another one once you are ready.