What are some reputable acting agencies?

What do acting agencies look for in a resume/potential clients?

• Hello, I'm an aspiring actress (of course, how cliche) and although I have a pretty good idea on what agencies would like -such as theater experience, education, and special skills- what other things in particular really appeal to an acting agency and what do they really look for in an actress? Thank You (: PS: I have been in quite a few stage productions (mostly school and ballet) I have taken many acting/film classes & workshops -currently enrolled in Cathryn Sullivan's school And have been dancing for 12 years & singing for 4 & have other skills as well

• Answer:

  They're looking for someone that will make them money - that's how they pay the rent, that's how they earn a living. What does that mean for you as a possible client? Professionalism. They don't care if you have dreamed of being a star since you were little, they want to know if you understand the realities of the business today. They want to know that if they book you for an audition that you'll be on time, you'll be prepared, you'll treat it as the job interview that it is. Do you need talent? Of course - but this industry already has a million talented people. Do you need experience? Yes - but mostly because they want to know that you know what you're doing. If you get on set and don't know how to behave appropriately you make them look bad, and you waste their investment of time & resources because you won't get a second gig. It looks like you've got the training they're looking for, and assuming you have the right attitude, drive, integrity, etc - then they need one more thing - a marketing angle. They need you to fill a lack that they have. This is where it can get tricky... whatever your particular "look" is (Pretty princess type, girl next door, cheerful overweight best friend, whatever...) you need to find the agency that has one or two of those types, and hopefully the one that they've sent out a lot recently is getting too old (or hopefully for her, busy on a series or something) for the roles that you are the right age to book. It's a business... what are you marketing?