Agent Workshop

Went to another workshop tonight to get some one on one w/ an agent.

The agent/owner of the talent agency introduced herself, told a little about her agency and then had a Q&A.

I found out that although they are looking for theater talent, it is easier to place non-union musical actors than straight play actors. Sadness.

She said that it is important to learn what your "type" is so when you are seeking representation you can communicate that to them so they know what kind of characters to look for w/ you in mind.

She stressed that agents are meant to do the negotiating and act as a liaison between the actor and the production heads. That's their job - the idea is that the agent looks like the "bad guy" then, not you.

After the Q&A we were all cleared out so we could go in separately to have one on one w/ the agent and perform a monologue.

I was the first one in! I performed my monologue and she seemed to like it. She asked questions about my experience and brought up voiceover work - asking if I had a demo. Ugh. I really need to get that taken care of. She liked my "attitude" headshot and asked if I'm looking to play quirky characters. (Honey, I'll play any character I can get cast for! lol.) Then she said that she can't base a lot on just seeing me do 1 monologue so suggested I keep her in the loop on future performances (and send her a demo) so she can see me flex my acting muscles more. Overall it seemed to be a positive meeting but when dealing w/ agents - ultimately it is better if you have your Equity Card. I'm still trying to figure out how to even get cast in something that will give me points towards Equity! All in good time....right?!

Since I finished early I happened to run into a couple co-stars from Office Hours waiting to go see a show that a former co-star from Spring Shorts was in. It was opening night! I was talked into joining (a free ticket can really talk! ;)) and well, the actor we knew did well but the script needed severe editing - it really didn't need to be as long as it was and the devastating thing is that it had been published! How does that happen?! The premise was promising but the storyline seemed to freeze in motion w/ excess dialogue @ times. Some of the direction choices were interesting, too - lots of talking straight out to the audience when I'm not sure it was always necessary or effective. There was also confusion w/ when the play took place as it was written in the 80s w/ 80s references but then some lines were updated to make it seem like the present but yet...not ALL timeframe related lines were changed so...???

Needless to say, I was glad I didn't pay for the show but I was glad I saw it - I've found that no matter the individual review on a show, you can always take/learn something from the experience. Or @ least that is what I try to do! :)