Avoiding Shady Agencies

When it comes to assessing agencies, it's wise to pay attention to your instincts. If you're unsure whether an agency is on the up-and-up, here is a general rule to follow: Agencies and management companies should never charge a fee to represent you. (That includes mailings!) Their job is to find you auditions and get paid in a percentage (generally 10%) from your earnings. Also beware of pressure to sign a contract right away. Don't be swayed by photos of celebrities on office walls; just because they are hanging there doesn't mean this agency represents them! Finally, search the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the agency you are interested in signing with has any reports filed against it.