How do I get an acting agent?

Where/How do I get a reliable agent for acting?

• Im really into acting, and I would love to have a career out of it, and I was just wondering where and how I would get an agent so they can get me auditions. Im 16, I live in Hove, England. I just need to know how to get a reliable agent. Please help. Thanks :)

• Answer:

  Unfortunately, you can’t just ‘get’ an agent – they usually come looking for you. Many agents will not even allow you through the door unless you have done three years’ training at one of the major drama schools, and getting in to any of them is really hard – they get up to 4,000 auditionees applying for 24 places every year. Most agents will at least want to see you acting in a public performance before they agree to represent you, so it's a bit of a Catch-22 situation - you can't find work without an agent, but you can't get one until you have work. Most auditions for film, TV and stage work are made known to agents, but not the general public, so you can't find out about them at all without an agent - it seems unfair, but that's the way it works. Read every play you can get hold of, read books, go to a theatre club or stage group and learn everything you can. There are hardly ever any shortcuts – and you need to be able to work on stage as well as to camera. Singing is often required, so join a choir or try to afford lessons somehow. Dance is also useful. Then apply for a drama school. You are looking at years of hard work, but if it’s what you really want, go for it.