Only Hope
.:Agent.Wars:.
Yesturday, I finally got off my ass and did the mass email out of my CV and headshot to agents in sydney, in the hope of sparking some interest - HA! This was so totally not this difficult in Queensland. I guess I did have a little unrealistic expectation of what I thought their attention to me would be - I'm a NOBODY remember - get that through your head Kris! I thought, if I finally got off my lazy ass bum, that suddenly things would just fall into place - aren't I too old to believe in fairy tales. I sent it out on a Saturday right, and the same day I got two responses - FAST I know. One of the agents I knew wouldn't be interested - they're more of a celebrity handling company, but the other one was like my dream manager - he manages all these top cabaret stars who have these careers both here and overseas including David Campbell, Tim Draxl and Hayden Tee - all amazing performers (and at least 2 of those 3 are gay). He wrote back quite quickly and I've posted his email below... it's a nice email and he actually took the time to write to me which means that my covering letter at least got some attention and I believe he did actually read my CV and look at my headshot which is something, and everything he says is true... BUT what am I supposed to do? How do I get their attention to see how good I am? How can I do all of this when I havent been to "Drama School"? I know that I'm as talented and committed, and professional as most of the graduates from the top 3 drama schools... but what the fuck am I meant to do?
Here's the email - Credit to the agent for responding and I appreciate it a lot - and all his advice is valid and very constructive so Props to him!
"Dear Kristopher.
I have to admit I normally do not answer these letters people write to me. I get an average (as most agents do) of ten to twenty a week!!! It is the worst way to approach an agent as they just get shfrted
into delete immediately. But your letter seemed very sincere, so I am replying-this time.
Unfortunately, the industry is in a grevous state at the moment, especially in regards to musical theatre and this is the worst possible time to approach agents--with fifty plus new graduates coming out of Waapa, Nida and Nepean etc etc all at the same time. There is not enough work for actors with credentials and much professional experience and it would be irresponsible of me to take on anyone less experienced-no matter how good. Musical theatre wise there is only one show slated for 2006 and that is an arena show (Boy from Oz)....I wish I could be more positive. I suggest you try and get out of amateur theatre and try and get involved with professional actors forming a co-op, this way you may be seen by professional reviewers, casting agents and agents. No one will take anyone with amateur musical background seriously, it is the kiss of death on a CV-sadly. My other suggestion is to try and get into a full time course--Waapa or Nida---it is the only way of perhaps securing a place in the industry with three years of professional training. I wish you well in your endeavours 'Sincerely, Les Solomon"
Hmmm... anyone know any reviewers in Sydney?
Yesturday, I finally got off my ass and did the mass email out of my CV and headshot to agents in sydney, in the hope of sparking some interest - HA! This was so totally not this difficult in Queensland. I guess I did have a little unrealistic expectation of what I thought their attention to me would be - I'm a NOBODY remember - get that through your head Kris! I thought, if I finally got off my lazy ass bum, that suddenly things would just fall into place - aren't I too old to believe in fairy tales. I sent it out on a Saturday right, and the same day I got two responses - FAST I know. One of the agents I knew wouldn't be interested - they're more of a celebrity handling company, but the other one was like my dream manager - he manages all these top cabaret stars who have these careers both here and overseas including David Campbell, Tim Draxl and Hayden Tee - all amazing performers (and at least 2 of those 3 are gay). He wrote back quite quickly and I've posted his email below... it's a nice email and he actually took the time to write to me which means that my covering letter at least got some attention and I believe he did actually read my CV and look at my headshot which is something, and everything he says is true... BUT what am I supposed to do? How do I get their attention to see how good I am? How can I do all of this when I havent been to "Drama School"? I know that I'm as talented and committed, and professional as most of the graduates from the top 3 drama schools... but what the fuck am I meant to do?
Here's the email - Credit to the agent for responding and I appreciate it a lot - and all his advice is valid and very constructive so Props to him!
"Dear Kristopher.
I have to admit I normally do not answer these letters people write to me. I get an average (as most agents do) of ten to twenty a week!!! It is the worst way to approach an agent as they just get shfrted
into delete immediately. But your letter seemed very sincere, so I am replying-this time.
Unfortunately, the industry is in a grevous state at the moment, especially in regards to musical theatre and this is the worst possible time to approach agents--with fifty plus new graduates coming out of Waapa, Nida and Nepean etc etc all at the same time. There is not enough work for actors with credentials and much professional experience and it would be irresponsible of me to take on anyone less experienced-no matter how good. Musical theatre wise there is only one show slated for 2006 and that is an arena show (Boy from Oz)....I wish I could be more positive. I suggest you try and get out of amateur theatre and try and get involved with professional actors forming a co-op, this way you may be seen by professional reviewers, casting agents and agents. No one will take anyone with amateur musical background seriously, it is the kiss of death on a CV-sadly. My other suggestion is to try and get into a full time course--Waapa or Nida---it is the only way of perhaps securing a place in the industry with three years of professional training. I wish you well in your endeavours 'Sincerely, Les Solomon"
Hmmm... anyone know any reviewers in Sydney?