Another Actor Asks - Getting A Theatrical Agent

Dear Eric Klass,

I am having a really hard time finding a theatrical agent, mostly because of my lack of credits. I have a manager and
a commercial agent, am SAG-eligible, and am young (I'm in the 16-23 age range). I sent out 57 submissions a couple of weeks ago, and still haven't heard back from them. My headshots are pretty good, and I have a lot of training
under my belt for someone my age. Could you help me diagnose the problem?

Thank you,


Dear (name withheld):

It’s difficult to diagnose your situation without seeing how you have presented yourself to these agents (your picture, resume, covering letter – even what your envelope looks like). Don’t forget – these people get vast numbers of submissions from people looking for representation every year, and unfortunately, many of these submissions do not get the attention they deserve. As someone who was an actors agent for more than forty years, believe me, there is an art to be learned in presenting yourself to these people in a manner that will gain their interest (i.e. an attractive envelope, a brief, respectful covering letter, etc.). Don’t be so quick to assume that your lack of credits is the reason you haven’t received replies from these people. Everyone was in that position at one time.

You write that you have a manager. What kind of input have they given you on this matter? Have you asked your commercial agent about suggestions for possible theatrical agents?

Please feel free to write me again if you wish.

Eric Klass





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