Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/13/2008

Question
I wanted to ask Laura Interval another question, but she's maxed out. So I need your help.I live in Belleville and Chicago is 302.33 miles from where i live. Which is 5hrs. I'm 5'3 and 14yrs old. I told Laura that I wanted to start a acting/modeling career. I want a list of agencies in Chicago. I want a good agency that i don't have to pay money upfront to. One that is not a scam. I know I have the look and potential.

Answer
Here's a list of talent and modeling agencies (below) in Chicago.  All of them are affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild, so they not only have to comply with state local laws/regulations but also guild rules as well, and they are some of the top agencies in that area.

None of them should ask for any upfront fees, although most may require you to either have professional materials that you submit for agency consideration, or once you are signed.

Where there is a website listed, you can check for whether or not the agency represents actors as well as commercial print models, and what criteria the agency has for age.  Where it's not listed you can use your favorite search engine to see if the agency does have a website, or call and ask them if they accept talent of your age, if they have a modeling division, and what their submission process is for new faces.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

Ambassador Talent Agents
 333 N. MICHIGAN AVE, SUITE 910, CHICAGO, IL 60601
 312-641-3491

Aria Model & Talent Mgmt.
 1017 W WASHINGTON STREET, #2C, CHICAGO, IL 60607
 312-243-9400
(See Arlene Wilson listing below)

BMG Talent Group
 456 NORTH MAY, CHICAGO, IL 60622
 312-829-9100
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.bmgtalent.com

Baker & Rowley Talent Agency, Inc.
 3106 S RACINE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60608
 312-850-4700
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.bakerandrowleytalent.com

Big Mouth Talent
 900 N FRANKLIN STREET STE 709, CHICAGO, IL 60610
 312-421-4400
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.bigmouthtalent.com

Charlie's Talent Agency
 1350 OLD SKOKIE ROAD, STE. 201, HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035
 847-831-8833
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.charliestalentagency.com

DeSanti Talents Inc
 700 N GREEN STREET, SUITE 503, CHICAGO, IL 60622
 312-666-1677
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.desantimodels.com

E T A Inc
 7558 S CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619
 773-752-3955
 Type: Commercial

Encore Talent Agency, Inc.
 1732 W HUBBARD STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60622
 312-738-0230

Ford Talent Group, Inc.
 1017 WEST WASHINGTON, SUITE 2C, CHICAGO, IL 60607-2119
 312-243-9400
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Geddes Agency
 1633 N. HALSTED STREET, SUITE 300, CHICAGO, IL 60614
 312-787-8333
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.geddes.net

Grossman & Jack Talent, Inc.
 230 EAST OHIO STREET, SUITE #200, CHICAGO, IL 60611
 312-587-1155
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.grossmanjack.com

Shirley Hamilton  
 333 E ONTARIO, SUITE B, CHICAGO, IL 60611
 312-787-4700
http://www.shirleyhamilton.com

Iris Talent Agency, LLC
 1932 S. HALSTED #403, CHICAGO, IL 60608
 312-563-1005
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.iristalent.com

Lily's Talent Agency
 1301 W. WASHINGTON, SUITE B, CHICAGO, IL 60607
 312-601-2345
http://www.lilystalent.com

Stewart Talent Management
 58 WEST HURON, CHICAGO, IL 60610
 312-943-3131
 Type: Full Service (All Ages)
http://www.stewarttalent.com

Wilson Talent, Arlene, Inc
 430 W ERIE STREET, SUITE #210, CHICAGO, IL 60610
 312-573-0200
http://www.arlenewilson.com
(Arlene Wilson and Ford Models Inc combined to become ARia Talent)