Expert: Kitty Kavey - 12/6/2007

Question
Hello Kitty, My son's goal is to be an actor, with the comedy area being a particular strength. He has the talent and has been told many times he has the stage presence and looks to do it. To date he has only been in school and small theatre group productions. He is currently enrolled in college in the Chicago area. He is in a play now, a major role, the first after his winning a theatre talent scholarship at Northeastern University. With his handsome looks and 6'3 height, he turns heads where ever he goes and it has been mentioned to him that he should try breaking into acting via modeling. We live in Chicago and I was doing some research and saw your response to a mother with a 10 year old from Minnesota. You gave several listing for model talent agencies in Chicago. I am wondering if you would recommend one over the other for my son's situation.  Because he just turned 18, I am nervous about how easily he could fall pry to being scamed so I wanted to do some checking on this first. Thank you for you time!

Answer
For your son, I would recommend using one of the Screen Actors Guild agencies that also have a modeling division, if he wants to do modeling as well- and definitely a SAG agent if he's looking for a reputable talent agent.
The list of SAG agents is located on the Screen Actors Guild website - www.sag.org under Resources, Agent Information, Find a SAG Franchised Agent.
Most of the agencies listed there also have websites (just use your favorite search engine to locate) and those agencies marked FS (full service) are those who have a modeling division in addition to representing actors.  Usually an agency's website will have information for new talent wishing to submit to them, and details as to what specific type of talent/models they represent.
Good luck to you both,
~Kitty