I have done some reality stuff, and have another project pending. I'm also interested in finally having an agency represent me so I can branch out into other areas of acting. Should I wait until my new project is complete before signing a new agent? should I sign and let the new agency know the situation? Of course they would be unhappy about not getting the commission? sign and not tell the new agency? wait to sign until the new project is done? I have already given my verbal agreement with production that I would like to do something else. I feel I'm being fairly compensated for the project, and don't want to hurt my relationship with them by bringing in an agent now, after I've given my verbal agreement that I'm good with their terms. I'd rather keep it as simple as possible. How should I handle this?

Well
I dont know what you should do
but what you Should NOT do is get an agent and then not tell them what you are doing.

We all know lying is not the best way to start a relationship of any kind, now don't we?

i have a friend who runs an agency for reality people, but last i saw, it was real network reality show people (not these wannabe projects that never quite make it). if you're interested in THAT...

well actually, I wanted to use reality to spring into some real acting. I've been putting off getting an agent but realize the timing is perfect to do that now. In the meantime I have agreed to jump into a project and have made a verbal agreement to the terms. To expect the employer to start dealing with an agent now will complicate the deal already in place and hurt my relationship with them. At the same time I'm trying to find out if a new agent will be understanding of this or get pissed?

Reality TV is not a great springboard for acting. The Flavor of Love girls are not known for their thespian chops. There just aren't that many Elizabeth Hassleback's... and she's a HOST, not an actress.

Eating worms and swapping spit with Bret Michaels cannot go in your "Special Skills" section. The only exception is shows that show you to have SOME kind of ACTUAL talent. If you don't have any classes or respectable credits, you may want to hold off.

Does your new project show you hosting or something related? That would also be different. Mark Sikes has a great article on this.

http://more.showfax.com/columns/corner/archives/2006_09_05.html#000627

That hot Korean girl from Real World, San Diego, Jamie Chung was able to get with Gersh after the show. Her acting has been disappointing, especially with that ABC Family disgrace Samurai Girl. But, of course she's hot and has an exotic look that is not typical of most Korean girls.

Jamie's IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1512166/

It can happen(making a successful transition into acting) every so often with hard work:

Jacinda Barrett was on The Real World and she later starred in Bridget Jones, The Namesake, The Last Kiss, Poseiden, etc

Katherine McPhee transitioned from American Idol to being on Lonelygirl15 and The House Bunny

Good luck with your endeavors!