Create a list of agencies you want to contact based on your professional goals. Lists of agencies are found in books such as "Call Sheet," formally known as "Ross Reports." Include agencies that already know you and those with good relationships with your friends, family or associates. You are more likely to get a response from an agency if you have a personal connection.
Address your correspondence to one agent in each agency. Write postcards or letters stating that you are looking for representation and would like to set up a meeting. Include your union status, projects you are involved in, your highest performance achievements and where you see yourself professionally now and in the future. Invite the agent to see you in an upcoming show and offer complimentary tickets. Mention where you met the agent or the name of the mutual friend you share with him. Include special skills you have, such as the ability to speak a foreign language, play a musical instrument or expertise in dance.
Attach a professional head shot with your résumé stapled to the back or a comp card with your letter. If you are sending a postcard, make sure it has your best picture on the front.
Create a website. Sending hard copies of reels and music is not favorable anymore. They are rarely seen or heard because agents do not like putting foreign hardware into their drives. Better to upload your media online. Create a website that features your acting or dance reel, stunt experience, professional photographs, musical and voice-over recordings, and then include the website in your note.
Follow up with a phone call two weeks after mailing the postcard or letter. Send another postcard one month after the first mailing to remind the agency of your previous letter and reiterate your desire for a meeting to discuss representation. Direct the agency once again to your website and contact information.
Prepare at least two performance pieces that play to your strengths. Have your monologues, songs or dance routines ready to perform on the spot. Organize your modeling portfolio, acting reel, stunt reel, head shot and résumé into a sharp package before you present it to the agent.
Prepare a verbal résumé, which is a summary of your experience, that effectively and smoothly shows off your strengths and highest achievements. Make a list of points you wish to discuss with the agent. Include your goals, questions you have for the agent about how many clients the agent has, how often the clients are sent out on average for auditions, previous projects the agent's clients have worked on, financial clarifications and other specifics you need to know. Inform yourself thoroughly about the agency, the agent and projects you aspire to partake in before you go to the meeting. Be able to speak confidently and intelligently about your career.
Dress in your sharpest, most attractive attire, but don't try too hard. Wear an outfit that makes you feel beautiful, sexy, confident and comfortable. Style your hair. Your makeup should be natural and flattering. Clean your nails and freshen your breath. Appear clean, confident and approachable.
Do whatever it takes to put yourself in a positive mood. Do not bring any negativity into the meeting in either your speech or your mind. Smile and meet the agent with warmness, gratitude and, above all, be yourself.