Hey I just wanted to start a topic about anything pertaining to agencies and such in the Orlando/Miami. Which are some of the best agencies in Orlando and where can you find work without a agent

Hey there,
Just moved from Orlando to LA. There are some great agencies between Orlando & Tampa and the great thing is you can have more than one. I don't suggest anymore than 2 but do what you want. Orlando/Tampa is mostly a commercial/industrial market but on occasion you will find a film there. It's mostly non-union there. If your union your pretty much screwed. When I was there I was with LOUISE'S PEOPLE & BREVARD TALENT GROUP. However there are many choices. here are the tops I can think of off the top of my head.

Louise's People Model & Talent
Brevard Talent Group
The Hurt Agency
Diamond
C.F.T. Innovative Talent
Azuree
DK Model & Talent

Just to name a few...

When it comes to getting work on your own. It's a great community if you are a comedian or you do improv. The door can be hard to get through but once your in your in. My opinion is if your in Orlando to do film work your in the wrong place because its just not consistent. With that said... Some agents there get breakdowns for some of the Southeast shows like Army Wives, Homeland, Vampire Diaries, Burn Notice.

Getting work on your own can be tricky especially film work. If your looking for live performance go to Universal/Disney/Lego Land and all the hokey Dinner theatre shows in the tourist areas. Commercially and film Casting directors won't usually see you without an agent. The main casting Directors are:

Mark Mullen
RJ's Casting
John Peros
Kathy Laughlin
Rose Rosen

Orlando is a great place to make a career. It can be a hard nut to crack but if your good you can crack it pretty easily. The market embraces character types and improv. The pay for non union is disgusting but there is no negotiating it is what it is.
Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hey yeah, well actually azuree sent me a contract to sign with them. it only states non-union engagements. It doesn't say anything about SAG-AFTRA. Is that because like you said there aren't enough union work out there

Yeah, most of the work in Orlando is Non Union.