How Do I Get A Casting Agent?

Getting an agent can take a long time. There are thousands of actors out there (and more joining you each year) who are looking for representation. You could be lucky and get one quickly, but you may end up representing yourself for a while until you get some attention.

If you went to drama school or a good acting course then you will most likely be performing in an end of year showcase. This is where local casting agents ad other professionals will be invited along to see you perform. They normally pick a number of students who they fell they could represent. Remember that involves looking at more than talent. They need to see if you have a 'look' they can sell and whether you would be competing with someone else on their books amongst other factors.

Many actors in London put on their own showcases to display their talents. You could look at getting involved with one of these. That way you'll also be meeting some of your most vital contacts – your colleagues!

The most tedious, yet really the only other good way to approach an agent is by doing a mailing list. Purchase a copy of 'Contacts' for the year which contains the name and contact details for most of the agents in the UK. Write yourself a killer cover note (remember to try and personalise it), tidy up your cv, get a nice copy of your head shot and paper clip them together. Then all you can do is stick them in an envelope, send them off and hope for the best. It is good if you are performing something which they could attend to see you work.
Do this regularly and you'll improve your chances!