Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 7/28/2010

Question
Hi, I was wondering if you could give me details on what exactly I should write in a cover letter to a talent agency? I've looked at several other websites but their advice has been very general. Also, if a agency doesn't specify sending in a cover letter on their website with the headshot and resume, should I still send one?

Answer
Hi Lucy,

Here's the deal: Write a very SHORT and to the point intro letter.

Hello, My name is Lucy ____. I am currently seeking representation in the (name the city) area market. I have taken acting classes (with/at)_____________ and have performed in (name plays, school or otherwise, and any film or tv spots). I have also detailed special abilities as listed on my resume.

I would like to request a meeting to determine if it would be mutually desirable to be represented by your agency. I can be contacted at: (phone/email/address).

Thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Lucy ______

(sign your name)

The reason you want it short and to the point? To tease for a meeting. If they show a whole movie in a "trailer" why go to the theater? Just sound confident and don't over-sell yourself. If you sound desperate and not calm, cool and confident, you will sound professional. Otherwise you may be a risky choice who might make the agency look bad to casting. If an agent where to get "known" for bad talent, they may lose business and have to close down.

If you are lacking experience in the plays/film/tv part, you may just put classes. If you have no classes, I suggest you stop right here and go enroll and take classes! You will not help yourself by trying to get an agent when you have no clue what acting is about. Even stars have coaches, including "A-list" ones. This isn't "money for nothing" -it is a serious job, only serious need apply. Agents, casting directors and directors have better things to do with time and money than indulge fantasies of stardom. I am not being cruel. I am telling you how it is, and saving you embarrassment. Showbiz IS business and there is very little patience or "on the job training" for want-to-be stars. I get submissions all the time from people who don't want to bother with doing the work to get where they dream to be. It's also not a business where you make plans to "catch-up" once you get a shot. When you watch "American Idol" you get to see both:
people who have been training and practicing, and fools who look in the mirror and see a see a star, and who end up being the laughing stock of primetime tv. At least in acting, you don't get replayed over and over to have people laugh at you or comment how nuts you are, thinking you are good when it is painfully obvious you are tone-deaf. In the Biz, they just see you once and you are sent away, not to be seen again. Why? Well, they get a bad 1st impression, and that is all they need to remember you for good and NOT ask you back. I once had a really bad audition with a prominent casting director. Although I was new, I had taken a lot of classes, but was having an anxiety attack. I was bad. Good news: I got another chance to see her...Bad?: it was another 10 years, and by accident that I got in to see her. (I went in for an extras call and they had half the people see the actual director and half to her. Doubt I would have seen her if it weren't a fluke).

As to "special abilities" -put this on end of resume. It is ANYTHING you can do. From singing Opera, ballet, country dancing, ventriloquist, golf, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, to side-show stuff: whistling through your nose, cracking knuckles, looking two ways at once, anything odd and unusual for people to do. Just be sure that YOU DO IT WELL! If you say you can speak French and only know 2 words, not good.

Best,

Taylor