How to get into a talent agency?

How do you get a meeting with a rep from a talent agency?

• I'm only fifteen and I'm taking any advice o can get! Thank you!! :)

• Answer:

  Unless you already have professional or semi-professional experience in your field, you won't be able to find a legitimate agent. An agent's job is to find qualified people to fill jobs, so he can't risk his agency's reputation by sending people who don't have any experience. Agencies that host open houses called "talent searches" are actually frauds that have neither the ability or intention of finding anyone work. They make money by charging prospective clients for head shots and promotional materials. A legitimate agent never asks for any money in advance, since he earns a percentage of your salary for a job he finds you. I'm not sure which career you plan to pursue, but if it's acting, the best thing you could do is contact a local theater and inquire about classes. If you get involved with the theater and become a familiar face, the theater regulars will recognize that you're dedicated and consider casting you in upcoming productions. Once you've appeared in a couple of those, you'll have the experience necessary to find a legitimate agent who may be able to find you other work. And since most theater actors also work in TV and film, they'll be a great resource and can steer you in the right direction. If you're pursuing music, you won't need management until you're ready to sign contracts (since music agents are generally lawyers). The music industry revolves around word of mouth, so the way to generate record label interest is to play live shows and prove you can draw consistently large crowds. Don't bother sending CDs to record labels, since those wind up in dumpsters. But if you perform regularly and develop a huge fan base, the record labels will seek you out. Since bands get their own bookings (by contacting club owners personally), they don't need agents to find them work.