I have recently moved to Massachusetts and I'm living about 20 min. away from Boston. I am currently being represented by an agency, but my photographer said that they aren't any good and that there aren't any good ones in MA. There are several, though, to choose from and one of them has to be decent, right? I want to be represented by at least one other agency--how do I know which one? How can you tell if an agency is good before signing with them? Thanks for any info. anyone may have.

make sure they are licensed and see who their clients are on imdb pro. I trust that you haven't paid any fees up front to this agency--that's one sign they are not legit.

I actually just moved to NYC from Boston and this is what I can tell you about the agencies there: basically, skip it. All of my friends who worked with good companies and worked consistently were not represented by agents. Most of them are the type that will make you give them money one way or another; either you have to use their photographer to get new headshots or you need to take classes with them. This may changes as more feature films come to the Boston area, but for now, the best way to be considered for them is to get on mailing lists and take classes with the Casting DIRECTORS in the city; the big ones being CP Casting, Boston Casting, and LDI Casting in Rhode Island. Now, if you are interested in modeling and print work there may be agencies that can help you, but I don't have experience in that are so I can't help you too much with that.

Hope this helped!

For Acting:
Boston doesn't use agents or agencies for film/tv.
There are casting companies and they get paid by the production company. (they do not take a portion of your paycheck).
Boston Casting, Maura tighe, CP casting are hte 3 that work most in boston.
Just submit your material to them and they will be in touch.
Taking a class with them makes you a familiar face, but doesn't guarantee a casting call. (you don't 'buy' your way in via their classes).

Modeling is a different story. They DO use agents/agencies.

Thanks everyone for your posts! They were VERY helpful, and I would have said that before now, but I forgot about checking the post for like a week. Sorry!

You can always call SAG, but I say trust the Boston peeps on this site. Sounds like you got some good info!