You should strive to be bold in your acting and modeling pursuits in Chicago. You should also be sure that you have some understanding of how agents and directors work in Chicago too. The best way to start out looking for an agent is to compile a list of agents that you are interested in working with and simply start by sending them your headshots and resume. Keep in mind that some agents do take online submissions, however some will need to be submitted by mail. Ensure that you keep track of all the responses and what agents you have sent a submission to. However, don’t feel bad if you don’t receive a response. Agents tend to be very busy and more than likely see dozens of headshots every week in the Chicago area.
Make the first move if you need to and follow up with the agencies that you have sent your headshots to in Chicago. How would you know if they have even looked at your resume if you don’t follow up and it shows that you are interested in them as well. If they don’t want to chat, you will know. Though if luck is on your side, they will want to set up an interview right on the spot. In any stage of your career having an agent in Chicago is a pretty important thing. However, don’t think you can just hand an agent a stack of headshots and wish for the best. With acting being a tough industry, you will have to do anything that is possible to get a job. An agent is an important factor in landing the job in Chicago. Though it is also good to network for yourself too. However, right now we are talking about agents.
Try to already have some understanding of where you are in your career path already as you start talking to different agencies around the Chicago area. This will help them see where you need to be headed and they can best help you reach your goals. If you can try working with a smaller agency if you are just starting out in your career, they will grow with you. They will also be able to focus more on you than a larger agency would be able to in Chicago. You need an agent to find work in Chicago so finding an agent by any means necessary is very important. One of the easiest methods would be to get referred to one someone has already used or to be noticed by your work. Though you could always hit the pavement or even do some research online to find an agency that will meet your needs in Chicago.
Having a plan in place as you start hunting down agencies in Chicago can really make the process a lot easier on you. Use a system that will have you perhaps sending about 8 to 10 headshots out per week. You aren’t waiting too long or contacting them too early, as they may have not had the chance to even see your headshot yet. This can happen a lot in the entertainment business due to the fact that agents can see thousands of headshots coming in every week. Rinse and repeat this process until you have found the agent that you are looking for in Chicago and have patience. You can also find an agent by doing paid showcases in Chicago, at these paid showcases you will have the chance to stand in front of local agents and casting directors reading lines. Keep an ear to the ground; sometimes paid showcases are a great opportunity and other times the agents hosting these paid showcases are not someone you want to work with at all.