I just mailed all my stuff to 25-30 agents last week. Someone recently told me that typically each agent goes through their mail and picks out the their "yes's", and then once a month, or sometimes up to once every 2 to 3 months they meet with the other agents and discuss each other's picks, and then that's when they call the people they want to audition. Anyone know if this is how it works? Have any of you ever gotten called to audition for an agent months after you sent in your materials?

i was once called a week later. and two weeks ago, i was called by a top agency nearly 9 months later!

for musical theatre performers here in NY, sometimes they will organize an audition night where they rent a studio and hire an accompanist and audition all their singers, same with dancers. so it may take longer for submitting to a musical theatre agent.

I was actually just about to post up the same question! I sent out my headshot/resumes/cover letters on Friday (Feb 15th), and I submitted for basically all kinds of work - Commercials, TV/Film, Theater, and Music. I hope that these agents are just taking a while to sift through the tons of packages that they get each day. How common is it that you would send out a mailing and not hear anything back??? And is there anything that one can do to kind of stand out?

This is my first mailing, and I am kind of clueless...

quote:

Originally posted by BellaVoce188:
How common is it that you would send out a mailing and not hear anything back??? And is there anything that one can do to kind of stand out?
This is my first mailing, and I am kind of clueless...

As you can tell by your fellow posters, there is no hard and fast rule as to when they'll respond, if ever. The bad news is, in the vast majority of instances, you won't be considered for representation. There are many reasons for this of course, but in my experience chief among them are these:

1) Lack of qualifications.
Not enough experience; a thin resume.
2) No union affilliation.
This applies to union offices only.
3) The "unponderables."
They simply may not be looking for your "type" (they could be fully stocked with blondes for example, but are looking for minorities to round out their client list at the present time). That's why it's always a good idea to resubmit again at a later date. You may also wish to drop them a postcard in a week or two, just to "reaffirm that they received your submission."
4) They have closed their agency to any new talent submissions.

Actors have always sought to say or do something to make themselves "stand out from the masses," but usually nothing accomplishes this better than a powerful resume and an outstanding headshot, a recent glowing review from a well respected publication, or a personal recommendation. Either way, it's out of your hands. In the meantime, just continue to build your resume and grow as a performer. If you're truly meant to be in this business, they'll find you.

Thanks Robert! You certainly know your stuff! I know that I belong here in this industry, so I am going to keep on plugging!

BellaVoce, I would say that it is somewhat common to do a mass mailing and hear nothing back. There are many people on here who wrote about doing several mailings and hearing nothing back. Dont get discouraged and keep trying, eventually you will catch the eye of an agent!

gapfm121 i also did a mass mailing last week for my 11 yr old ds. I overnighted a couple to make sure they got there other wise used standard mail (@20). But havent heard yet either. Lets keep each other posted so we can compare to see how long it takes lol!

What times of the year should one do a mass mailing?

I think it depends on the time of year! When I sent my sons pics out, I was contacted quickly and set up his appts. It was right before Thanksgiving..... I would send out and wait to heear. Persistance does payoff!

ressydm, You send out when you need one, do not wait until you think its a good time, you never know when they are looking for your type.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Knowing that CD's get inundated, I was worrying that if they saw me submitting every week or every month they'd get frustrated -- plus it can get pretty pricey! But I will keep right before the holidays on the list for sure!

Henderson's is a good resource for who you should submit to, I think. Anyone know of any others?

Hmmm...I will have to check out Henderson's. i used the Ross Reports. Any opinions on that one?

Depending on which coast you are on you might try the Acting World Books publications.
And don't worry about inundating the agents with your submissions. Hope that eventually they will say to themselves, "Gee this person looks so familiar to me, I should bring him/her in!"

My advice? Choose 15 or so agencies you think you would be a great fit with. (In other words, don't choose William Morris if you are a newcomer and try and keep tabs on which agents represent friend of yours in a similar position). Submit, then submit a month later, then the next month send a postcard, then send a press clipping from a show you are in, then your headshot again, then a christmas card, then another postcard, then a review clipping...and so on. Mix it up, but keep hitting your targets.

Fabulous advice Jackie! You're right. Persistence and dedication... Seems to be the trend