titi-arts.com

If you are an up and coming young actor, dancer or singer you may have become quite frustrated trying to get noticed and you are waiting for a decent first break. If you have not yet considered it before then now is probably the time when you should get yourself listed with one or more casting agencies.

It is the job of casting agencies to find jobs for actors and to find actors for production companies. Generally speaking casting agents will liaise with directors and production houses when they require actors and a cast of extras for a particular production. Usually the approach is made first of all by the production companies to the casting agencies, who then contact the actors who are listed with them.

The usual way that actors are chosen for a particular production is through an audition. Auditions may take place over several days for a major production. The casting agencies may be used to contact actors to attend an audition, although staff from the agencies do not normally have a direct role in the audition process. They are also unlikely to be physically present at an audition. However, the casting agencies do have a vested interesting in seeing actors become successful.

Agencies only make money when the actors they represent get jobs, so they will certainly do their best to get you the breaks you are looking for. Having said that, beyond some initial advice and hints before you go to an audition, what happens at the audition will be between you and the company that is putting on the production. If you have obvious talent and are able to demonstrate that at the audition and your face and acting ability match what they require for a particular part then you are likely to have a chance in securing a part. The casting agencies themselves cannot really do much more to improve your chances except give you the opportunity to attend an audition.

Apart from acting as a go between or intermediary between actor and company in terms of getting a job, the casting agent can also act as a negotiator on your behalf when it comes to sorting out how much you are going to get paid. This is a bit of a difficult area. As an actor who is just starting out in the career, it can seem quite intimidating when trying to negotiate over pay and conditions if you secure a new acting job. This is hopefully where a good casting agent will be able to help out.

Looking for a casting agency is relatively simple as any search online will reveal dozens of them all vying for attention. Most city newspapers in centres that have a lively entertainment industry will also be sources of advertising for a casting agent. What is not quite so easy is trying to find a good casting agency – it is best to choose a company that has been in the business for some time as they will have built up the network of contacts so important when it comes to the acting industry.