| Acting is as much a business as it is an artistic craft. | | | | Send a clip reel. If you've already gotten a few parts, |
| Agents arrange your auditions and negotiate contracts. | | | | compile them onto a DVD and send it to prospective |
| Usually, though, they also represent dozens of other | | | | managers with a letter introducing yourself. The more |
| actors so there is not a lot of time for one-on-one | | | | range you can show, the better. If you do not have the |
| interaction. Managers offer more personalized | | | | skill to make it look professional, have a professional |
| attention. They are both advocate and advisor. They | | | | duplicating service do the compilation. |
| act as a buffer between an actor and his employers, | | | | Attend Industry Mixers. Like it or not, acting is a social |
| negotiating perks and assuring the best possible | | | | business and networking can be an important tool. In |
| working conditions. They suggest roles to seek and | | | | order to meet people in the industry, you need to |
| help design a long-term career plan. Having a manager | | | | socialize in the same circles. Check out web sites like |
| frees an actor to concentrate on acting, knowing the | | | | the Hollywood Film Industry Meetup Group and Media |
| business end is in the manager's hands. Here are five | | | | Bistro or social networks like LinkedIn to find mixers |
| tip on how to find a reputable manager to become | | | | and get-togethers where you can meet managers. |
| part of your team. | | | | Get a referral. Nothing is more informative than word |
| Get involved in community theatre or Equity-waiver | | | | of mouth. Ask your agent for the names of managers |
| productions. Like agents, managers are constantly on | | | | they work with and are willing to recommend. Talk to |
| the lookout for exciting new talent and regularly scout | | | | friends and associates and find out who they would |
| local theatre. You can also be proactive and send | | | | recommend. Likewise, before signing with a manager, |
| invitations to a select list of managers. Make sure to | | | | talk to other clients to get a sense of how the |
| include any good reviews of your performance. | | | | manager interacts with them on a daily basis. If you do |
| Join an acting class. Acting workshops and classes | | | | your due diligence now you'll prevent regrets later. |
| regularly put on showcases for agents and managers. | | | | |