Stuck Agent-Free in NYC: 

Dear Fefu, As a somewhat early-career actor (graduated from a part-time conservatory program a couple of years ago) with a (relatively flexible) full-time survival job, I'm really struggling with the process of finding an agent. I've reached the point where I feel that I need an agent because I've kind of hit a wall-- I've built up a bit of a resume but I don't have the resources, connections, and time to continue trying to get seen for bigger roles all on my own (especially now that so many breakdowns/casting portals are behind a paywall). My resume isn't empty by any means, but I feel like I'm stuck in a "can't get an agent without a strong resume of previous roles, but can't book a strong resume of previous roles without having an agent" loop. I'd love to ask someone for a referral, but none of my friends in my city currently recommend their agents-- a lot of them tell me they're just sitting on their agents' rosters and aren't being submitted for roles, and I don't want to end up there either. Are there other options/pathways to finding the representation that's right for me? Am I aiming too high too soon? How can I get unstuck?

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Dear Stuck Agent-Free in NYC,

I’m going to lay out all the different ways I know people have gotten good representation and you can choose your own adventure:

1. Showcases: There are plenty of network showcases (CBS, Disney, Sony, etc.) that you can submit to every year. You connect with network producers and industry reps that can greatly help your career. These are highly competitive but many successful actors have been able to jumpstart their career through these programs such as Lupita Nyong’o, Randall Park, Hasan Minhaj, Ego Nwodim, Eugene Cordero, and Kate McKinnon, to name a few. 
2. Training: You can go into a graduate acting program that culminates in an industry showcase. This will also help you connect with industry reps and find representation, but I only recommend if you actually want to commit to a graduate program and receive that training, not just have a showcase. 3-4 years is a long game strategy for reps, and I think that can’t be the main reason. People who primarily want to increase their skills as an actor should really take this route.
3. Pay to Play: You can sign up for seminars where you meet Agents and Managers with organizations like One on One or Actors Connection. Both of these offer zoom classes so you can join from anywhere in the world. This is a tricky path that doesn’t guarantee reps, but you do get in front of agents and managers. Out of my entire network I know ONE person who found reps this way and continues to work with them.
4. Build the Resume and Network: This is the work your ass off route but it is definitely possible. Continue to self submit, go to networking events and get to know potential collaborators, really hit the streets and get yourself out there. Invite possible reps to see everything you are in, momentum is always helpful. A career is based on who you know. Then you can revisit the referrals option.
5. Sheer Charismatic Luck: So much of this industry is preparation meets luck. So there is no one best way to find reps, because I have plenty of friends who have stumbled upon great opportunities. Someone I went to grad school with met their current agent because they were a regular at the restaurant he waits tables at and they became good friends. He just kept making her laugh and she liked him so much she signed him. So really you just never know.

Best of luck on your path to reps,

Fefu

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