Curious - we just started looking for an agent or manager for on-camera representation - in your experiences did you email your submission, use snail mail, or a mixture of both? Any opinions or thoughts would be great. Thanks.

We did both and, honestly, got very little response. It was not until managers/agents met us in a few showcases that they expressed interest. It all depends on your look and the amount of good credits you have. Age is an important factor,too. It seems that it is easier to get attention if you are under 10.

Most of the more reputable agencies require snail mail for legit or commercial representation. All of ours were snail mail, and we did get some response.

I sent all my junk by snail mail to the agents that I was with, except for the last one, I hopped on the coat tails when she became an agent at the agency that I'm with now..

my children were 10 and 5 when they got representation with no credits, just send headshots with nice cover letter. On their resume include student plays and other local stuff they have done. If they are looking for your childs look they will call you in. If you do not hear anything wait 6 months and resubmit!!!
Edited to add we used snail mail!!!

Children 5 and under are not really expected to have resumes because of their age. They get by on the cute factor and boys have it considerably easier when seeking representation.
It's a little harder as you get older and very hard once you reach 11 and older but there are exceptions to every rule.
Castlerock, who landed representation first, your 5 yr old or ten yr old?

We had a similar experience to not blond's. My dd got attention after we did a couple of showcases. I had done a select mailing and got no responses from that. Once an agent was interested in her, we started using email.
Good luck!

my 10 year was offered represention first. I did not even submit my 5 year old just my 10. When we went to meet with them, they said if he's interested we will rep him also!!!
And so it began.

What are the showcases and how do you find out about them? My daughter has been busy in the upstate area but the Annie audition was our first experience in NYC. I love all of the useful information I am learning on this forum. If a posting says to send by email is it rejected if you send it by snailmail?

We have non-exclusive "smaller" agents, and one told me that the photos in hand (snail mail) always get more attention at their agency.

My dd is 4, and has done a few jobs. Clients seem to adore her, she's been requested back by them, but the big agents haven't shown any interest. What kind of showcase can a 4 yr old do?

Momtomany and beachgirl,

There are many showcases at Madelyn Burns that fit your kids. For older ones, either the Telsey/Binder or Roger Becker voiceover would be a good start for singers. They both end with agent/manager showcases and are very popular with agents.

For little ones, the baby class is a hoot. The agents absolutely love it. Many, many kids get signed after taking this class (I believe one is starting now) and the agents always come because the kids are so adorable to watch. If you are looking for on-camera reps, this is the best way for a little one to get some attention.

not blond: thanks so much, I signed her up. I'll let you know how it turns out in a few months.

Thanks for all the info and advice! There is something new to learn everyday in this business!

We also went to Madelyn Burns' with good results!