Where would I find a legit acting agent?

Until you already have professional acting experience, you won't be able to find a legitimate agent who'll represent you. The reason casting directors work through agents is that they know agents won't send them amateurs. Stage, TV and film production are incredibly expensive, so directors can't afford to provide on-the-job training. The ones who conduct "talent searches" in malls or who claim they'll turn amateurs into stars are NOT legitimate and they have neither the ability nor the intention of finding anyone work. They make fortunes by promising shortcuts that don't exist. They make money by selling classes, head shots and other promotional materials that are completely useless. Legitimate agents NEVER ask for money in advance, since they work on commission. They only get paid when their actors do, since they're paid a percentage of what an actor earns for a job. Since their own livings and reputations depend on the caliber of the actors they represent, legitimate agents won't represent actors who haven't already proven they're more than qualified to be sent into jobs. Just about everyone you see on TV and in movies started out in community theater, since that's about the only place an aspiring actor can learn while gaining the experience required to access other opportunities. If you enroll in classes at a local theater and show that you're talented and committed to learning and mastering the craft of acting, you'll be considered for roles in upcoming productions. Once you've appeared in a few of those, you'll have the professional experience required to shop for an agent who may be able to find you other work. Most stage actors also work in commercials, TV and movies, so your theater peers will be able to recommend legitimate agents when you're ready to take that step. The dues paying process is important because it weeds out the wannabes from those who are serious about the craft of acting. Everyone thinks it would be fun to be on TV or in movies, but very few people are willing to do the hard work necessary to make that a possibility. Until you're already an actor, legitimate agents won't give you the time of day. But once you've shown that you can recreate the same character night after night on stage without your performances becoming stale and predictable, agents will know you're the real deal and consider representing you.

First off, the man sounds like an idiotic con man. NO AGENT should ask you for money, because if they are legit and really do find you work then they will make profit from their commission. So I wouldn't bother with him. You should consider making a show-reel. Record yourself doing a few monologues and then send it off to agencies people are fond off. I'm sure you can find out who is legit or not by just analyzing them in their speeches, offers and interests. Best of luck.

First off, the man sounds like an idiotic con man. NO AGENT should ask you for money, because if they are legit and really do find you work then they will make profit from their commission. So I wouldn't bother with him. You should consider making a show-reel. Record yourself doing a few monologues and then send it off to agencies people are fond off. I'm sure you can find out who is legit or not by just analyzing them in their speeches, offers and interests. Best of luck.

Here's the best advice I can think of: 1) Go online to buy lists of agents' names and addresses. Write to them, describing your strong points and your experience. Include a P/R (photo and resume). Write your vital information on the back of the photo, including your age, height and weight, hair color, eye color and phone number. 2) Strut your stuff at a scene night, an organized event attended by agents and other people looking for new talent. Bring enough P/Rs for every attendee, and include reviews of your work plus information about your upcoming performances. Scene nights are essentially series of scenes showcasing actors' skills. They may be organized by acting schools, theater company alumni, etc. 3) Use word-of-mouth. You probably know someone who knows a talent agent. Ask your teachers to recommend you and your actor friends to mention you to their agents. Follow up with a phone call, letter and P/R. There's a great book about this if you want to read it. I have many acting friends who have utilized it. Just copy and paste the link below into your browser. Hope this advice helped.

Here's the best advice I can think of: 1) Go online to buy lists of agents' names and addresses. Write to them, describing your strong points and your experience. Include a P/R (photo and resume). Write your vital information on the back of the photo, including your age, height and weight, hair color, eye color and phone number. 2) Strut your stuff at a scene night, an organized event attended by agents and other people looking for new talent. Bring enough P/Rs for every attendee, and include reviews of your work plus information about your upcoming performances. Scene nights are essentially series of scenes showcasing actors' skills. They may be organized by acting schools, theater company alumni, etc. 3) Use word-of-mouth. You probably know someone who knows a talent agent. Ask your teachers to recommend you and your actor friends to mention you to their agents. Follow up with a phone call, letter and P/R. There's a great book about this if you want to read it. I have many acting friends who have utilized it. Just copy and paste the link below into your browser. Hope this advice helped.