Ooh, Ooh, Pick Me, Pick Me.

Being a theatrical agent in Hollywood is like being the prettiest girl at prom - everyone who isn't already spoken for wants to dance with you. I was a pretty big dork in high school (what's changed, right?) and asking anyone to dance was horribly intimidating. Thankfully it looks like the years of swing dancing lessons have paid off, I'm not nearly so afraid to ask agents to represent me.

A couple commercial agencies contacted me through Casting Networks and asked me to send them a Headshot & Resume. I reformatted my resume so it's now oh-so-fancy with 3 columns and blue accents. I also wrote a cover letter to accompany my packet:

Dear [John]:

I am seeking theatrical representation with your agency. I moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco three weeks ago with the goal of making a living as a film and television actor. I’ve been told that you are one of the premiere agents for actors looking to build up their careers, so I was delighted when I received your solicitation through Casting Networks. I earned my SAG card while I was still in the Bay Area, and I’d like to put it to good use!

When I arrived, I hit the ground running. I’m in my fourth week of Richard Seyd’s ongoing acting class. I’m attending workshops and using all the resources available at The Actor’s Network so that I can be intelligently proactive about my career.

I just closed a successful extended-run of Take Me Out. I’m also pleased to say that Phoenix Rising, a full-length film that I played a featured role in, is now touring the festival circuit.

Sincerely,

Donovan Keith

I tried to find an enthusiastic tone that also established my willingness to do the work. My friend Lolly (another recent SF transplant) felt that I might seem a little too fresh off the bus. We'll see how the response goes.

Expense
Theatrical Headshot ($0.95)
Commercial Headshot ($0.95)
See-Through Envelope ($0.75)
2 Resumes on 8x10 paper ($0.50)
Postage ($1.20)
TOTAL ($4.35)

To submit to just the two agents who contacted me, I've got to pay about $9 for materials/shipping. They say it takes money to make money, but I can see this getting expensive really fast.