Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/2/2008

Question
Hi there Kiddy, I have read some of your answers online and you seem to know what you are talking about!  My 7 yr. old is very interested in acting/modeling.  We live in Ohio, is there any reliable agencies around us?  I know the bigger cities have much more, I just do not want to be scammed!  Thank you so much!
Jennie

Answer
Ohio is a tough place to find a good agent - as the market there doesn't have a lot going on.  If there's a way you can commute to another area (such as Detroit or Pittsburgh), then you'll have a bit more available.

Of course it depends on what part of Ohio you're in as to how close you are to a larger market, and how much time (and gas) you want to spend getting to auditions and such - but you may be able to contact one of the agencies below, and explain your situation.

Sometimes agents are willing to represent out-of-state talent/models (or those outside the area) if they feel that the talent is marketable, they can book them directly on jobs without an audition, and the talent/model is able to show up to auditions/jobs on time and on short notice.

It's certainly worth asking, particularly if it's your child's dream and you are able to support it at this time, (given your location.)  Otherwise, perhaps during summer vacation if there's a place or friend you two can stay with in one of the midsize markets like Philadelphia or larger markets like New York City - then you'll have a lot more options for both good agencies, as well as work opportunities (and higher paying job opportunities as well.)

I included the list of agencies in the general Detroit and Pittsburgh areas below, just in case you are somewhat close to either.  The list is from the Screen Actor's Guild list of franchised agencies, and are some of the better (and more reputable) agencies around.

You will need to contact each agency you are interested in to make sure they represent talent/models of your child's age, and to find out what they need to see for agency consideration.  

Good luck to you both,
~Kitty
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Docherty, Inc.
 109 MARKET STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222
 412-765-1400
and
 2044 EUCLID AVENUE, SUITE 500, CLEVELAND, OH 44115
 216-522-1300
http://www.dochertyagency.com

T.G. Agency, The
 2820 SMALLMAN STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222
 412-471-8011
(I couldn't find a website for this one)

Charlies Talent Agency
 30901 UTICA RD SUITE B, ROSEVILLE, MI 48066
 586-362-3561
http://www.charliestalentagency.com

I Group, LLC
 29540 SOUTHFIELD RD., SUITE #200, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076
 248-552-8842
http://www.theigroup.com

Talent Shop, The
 30400 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE #141, BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025
 248-644-4877
http://thetalentshop.com
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