AHHHH! Huge News (for me)!!

[BeeBee23]

Thanks Ree-Xi.

Alphafrog, I'm really not trying to get your hopes up, but seeing people put their hard earned money into something that isnt called for is very common, and I hear it all the time. I work for an agency and so many people start out in the wrong way. Please consider contacting agents in your area AND surrounding areas in regard to signing with them before you invest all of this money into a talent search.

Yes, when I went to one of these things I came out of it with an agent, but it was for modeling which wasnt even what I wanted to do. They were based in NYC, Paris, LA ...no where near where I was from. It was completely unrealistic. Had my mom known that we could have found an agent without going through all of the expense and time of one of these things...we would have gone that route from the beginning. I hope you'll at least consider what I'm saying.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by BeeBee23

Yes, when I went to one of these things I came out of it with an agent, but it was for modeling which wasnt even what I wanted to do. They were based in NYC, Paris, LA ...no where near where I was from. It was completely unrealistic. Had my mom known that we could have found an agent without going through all of the expense and time of one of these things...we would have gone that route from the beginning. I hope you'll at least consider what I'm saying.

You still haven't told me which one of "these things" you went to, or what you've done professionally that qualifies you to give this kind of advice. I'm just trying to make sure we're talking apples to apples and this isn't like someone from a small, private northern school giving SEC rush advice (to use a Greek comparison).

Also, we do get fully audition info/sides, etc when casting notices are sent. Our agency uses 800casting, NowCasting, and ActorsAccess.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

You still haven't told me which one of "these things" you went to, or what you've done professionally that qualifies you to give this kind of advice. I'm just trying to make sure we're talking apples to apples and this isn't like someone from a small, private northern school giving SEC rush advice (to use a Greek comparison).

Also, we do get fully audition info/sides, etc when casting notices are sent. Our agency uses 800casting, NowCasting, and ActorsAccess.

Does your agent subscribe to Breakdown services?

PS A great resource for information on the ins and outs of the business are the forums at Backstage.com. You will learn a lot about agents, casting directors, and unions. There is a board specifically geared to child actors as well.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

Does your agent subscribe to Breakdown services?

PS A great resource for information on the ins and outs of the business are the forums at Backstage.com. You will learn a lot about agents, casting directors, and unions. There is a board specifically geared to child actors as well.

I think they do - I'm not as familiar with what all they do for actors, because my daughter has done more on the modeling side, and I was just invited to sign on the acting side yesterday.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I think they do - I'm not as familiar with what all they do for actors, because my daughter has done more on the modeling side, and I was just invited to sign on the acting side yesterday.

Have you done acting before? Have you studied at all? If not, i would suggest taking a few classes (from an acting coach). Even the best "raw" talents could use basic tools like Improv, knowing the differences between acting for the stage and acting in front of a camera, scene study, etc. The most successful actors in my circle take classes every once in a while. I think that group classes are most beneficial unless you are working on something specific (like an audition) and need one-on-one help.

I don't want to assume anything, and I am certainly not an expert, but I wanted to share if it would help you.

PS NYCastings (with an S) has a decent amount of modeling gigs (not sure how old your daughter is).

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

Have you done acting before? Have you studied at all? If not, i would suggest taking a few classes (from an acting coach). Even the best "raw" talents could use basic tools like Improv, knowing the differences between acting for the stage and acting in front of a camera, scene study, etc. The most successful actors in my circle take classes every once in a while. I think that group classes are most beneficial unless you are working on something specific (like an audition) and need one-on-one help.

I don't want to assume anything, and I am certainly not an expert, but I wanted to share if it would help you.

PS NYCastings (with an S) has a decent amount of modeling gigs (not sure how old your daughter is).

I did local theatre in my hometown. In college I did a bunch of productions (Musicals, Broadway Reviews, Operas, and a couple straight plays - although I don't enjoy those as much) and I took some classes (Musical Theatre Group Voice, Opera Workshop, Diction). I've done some local theatre in the Charlotte area. I also sing with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte (Chorus of the Charlotte Symphony), and the Oratorio Chamber Group. So, no, I'm not COMPLETELY raw talent.

My daughter is 5, so she's probably not ready for NY Fashion Modeling.


Winni - I don't know anything about your market there. My agency said mid-summer is the busy season for children here, but I don't know if that applies where you are as well.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by BeeBee23

not to get your hopes up, but . . . .

Originally Posted by BeeBee23

Alphafrog, I'm really not trying to get your hopes up, but . . . .

I'm not sure you know what "getting someone's hopes up" means, since I don't think you've said anything that would get anyone's hopes up.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I did local theatre in my hometown. In college I did a bunch of productions (Musicals, Broadway Reviews, Operas, and a couple straight plays - although I don't enjoy those as much) and I took some classes (Musical Theatre Group Voice, Opera Workshop, Diction). I've done some local theatre in the Charlotte area. I also sing with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte (Chorus of the Charlotte Symphony), and the Oratorio Chamber Group. So, no, I'm not COMPLETELY raw talent.

My daughter is 5, so she's probably not ready for NY Fashion Modeling.


Winni - I don't know anything about your market there. My agency said mid-summer is the busy season for children here, but I don't know if that applies where you are as well.

AF - if you have done live theater, it might help you to take a class in "Acting in front of the camera". I did musical theater for years, and had to adjust for the camera. There are some real differences. You might ask around for a reputable teacher. Many have 6-8 week sessions (which I find to be a perfect amount of time).

I don't know anything about modeling except what I learn on America's Next Top Model (lol). Good luck on everything.

PS Be sure to check out the BACKSTAGE.COM message boards. They have so much information!!