Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/19/2011

Question
I have a 11yr. old and 7 yrs. old that want to model and act are their any good agency in Columbia S.C or near by that are good. Thank You

Answer
I don't know of any reputable agencies near Columbia.  There may be a few, but most likely they would be small, independent agencies.  There's not a lot of work in that area for actors/models.  However, if you are able to commute or have someone you can stay with in Atlanta, GA there are quite a few agencies to look into for your children.

You can use the Screen Actor's Guild list of franchised agencies: http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent

I suggest starting with the Georgia list, looking first at the agencies marked as being full-service and all ages.  'Full service' usually means that they have a modeling division in addition to representing actors, and 'all ages' means they are more likely to represent kids of your children's ages.  

For any agencies you are interested in, I suggest first using your favorite search engine to see if they have a website.  Many do, and generally on their site it would have information about the agency; what types of talent they represent, agency criteria - and instructions for new faces/new talent who are seeking representation.  If they don't have a website, you can telephone them to ask.

What some parents do, is stay part time - such as during summer vacation - in a larger market with their child(ren).  If your kids are lucky enough to have a grandmother they can stay with in Miami, or a relative in Los Angeles or New York City, it is possible for them to find agency representation and work even while they officially live in another state.

I hope that you can find a good agency closer to Columbia, or are able to work something out in a larger market.

Good luck to you and your children.
~Kitty