What is the best source for Finding acting auditions?

Helpful tips for auditions and theater?

• I'll be as quick about this as I can. I've been playing piano since I was five years old. I have a fairly large resume built on mainly piano. But lately, I've been wanting to get into musical theater (even if its just volunteering or paid gigs, it doesn't matter) I've been studying voice for 3 years and I'm only a beginner when it comes to tap. I have zero experience in acting and zero experience in ballet (but I have basic knowledge of both) I've been getting more serious into starting a career in musical theater and I've been looking into getting an agent, preparing a new and more creative resume, finding auditions, etc. My questions are: where can I find a legit agent? (I've been looking on SAG's website, I've also been looking in the Theater Puget Sound (because I live in Seattle, WA) but everyone keeps telling me to check the newspapers for open auditions or open casting calls. What newspapers should I be looking in? I've checked all the local papers and nothing about auditions. Period. What are some tips I can use? What information do I need to know about agents? (Besides the fact that they can be sleazy?) And last but not least: Is there anything else I need to know about creating my resume to help increase my chances of finding an agent or an audition? What can I do to make myself stand out from the rest of the group? (And before you say anything, I know I'm starting out late in theater. I only got into it when I was 18 going on 19 and I'm almost 23) but I am a fan of any and all musicals. I know at least 7 to 10 musicals all by heart, script, songs and all. It took me years to realize that it was more than just a hobby. So if there's anything helpful I can use for the long run, please let me know. Thanks guys!

• Answer:

  It's never too late to start! Really, especially because there are lots of roles for people your age. In a professional audition, it doesn't start when you begin to read your script, but when you walk in the room. Not meaning walk into the room in character, but present yourself well, whether it be dance or acting. Walk in confidently, and speak loud enough and clear. You may not always have to do this, but if the director or whoever tells you to 'slate' it means say your name, age and where you're from. Move around! Don't be glued to the ground, unless you're supposed to be for the role, Dress nice, you don't have to look like a millionare, but you may not want to wear sweatpants (for acting.) If you mess up DO NOT STOP. On Broadway, they don't only look at who dances best or sings best, but whose a great entertainer. Don't apologize, be confident with it, and continue doing whatever you were doing. If you turn the room way during a dance, make the best turn ever and go on. I don't have a lot of advice on agents, but I've heard you should never pay up front. You should do a background check on the agent or agency you're looking into to make sure it's legit. Remember all those big stars had to go through the same proccess and still do, so don't get nervous. You can't give up because you'll have to try millions of times before you book a role, and every role , no matter how big or small can help you out, and it's more about the passion.