And make sure there is an "out clause" just in case!!!

Would you be able to audit the first class? Then if you feel it's a good fit continue taking the classes. And if not you've lost nothing.

I know it's hard especially in a smaller market. It's hard in a larger market as well!

quote:

Originally posted by merlin88:
Would you be able to audit the first class? Then if you feel it's a good fit continue taking the classes. And if not you've lost nothing.

I know it's hard especially in a smaller market. It's hard in a larger market as well!

Great advice as well!

Thank you for all the responses! I ended up not going to that workshop, and the interesting thing is that this woman was supposed to email us a copy of the workshop sign up form AND a contract. She ONLY sent the workshop papers (convenient huh?). I haven't heard from her yet, but I don't think I will be signing with her.
Thanks for all of your help!

Congrats! I think you made the right decision.

Yes, it's great you kept your eyes open!

I just recently retired from being a licensed and bonded talent agency owner in Los Angeles and prior to that I was a Talent Manager and sat on the Board of Directors of the Talent Managers Association, so I speak with a little bit of expertise.

So far as I know, licensing and a bond are only required in California, New York and perhaps Florida (they were considering it). And, that is for agents only! Managers are unlicensed and I would only deal with one that is a member of the Talent Managers Association or the Conference of Personal Managers. These managers have been checked out by their associations and you have redress to the associations if anything goes wrong!

Not to say that managers outside of these associations are not good, but your odds are better if you stay with these groups. Same with agents (and again I am only familiar with California law and practices), in California there are bad licensed agents, but you do have the State Labor Board to appeal to if there is a problem. You are better off dealing with a member of the ATA or someone approved by SAG or AFTRA.

OK...you cannot always get one of these agencies or managers to look at you...try it on your own first...get some books and read up on how to make it in Hollywood (New York or wherever). Question clients of a manager/agent...if they won't share...why not?

There are a lot of people out there looking to make money from aspiring actors...be careful!!