Questions about agents for school shows

Mon, 23 Mar 2009, 02:23 pm

Na12 posts in thread

Perhaps agents 'guru' Labrug can answer this, but I'm sure some or many of you also know the answer: I'm looking at signing up with a local agent that specifically deals with organising tours of shows to schools. Although I won't be touring shows, but offering puppetry building workshops. I know of a number of agents who do this, so finding one isn't my concern. What I'm wondering is, does anyone know how to apply to one of these agents? I'm guessing it works similarly to getting a normal agent - sending in a CV and relevant info - but do you need to already have experience touring to schools (I have experience doing puppetry workshops, but no experience within schools as yet), a reel showing an actual workshop... do you have to invite the agent along to one so that they can see what you do? What's the best approach? Any advice would be very welcome, as I've never dealt with this agent stuff before :)

Thread (12 posts)

Threaded Flat

NaMon, 23 Mar 2009, 02:23 pm

LabrugMon, 23 Mar 2009, 03:06 pm

Personal Opinion

I think it really comes down to a bit of a blend between getting an agent and job hunting. You are not seeking an agent in the conventional sense but are seeking to be represented by these agents. You could (as an option) make a few enquiries at local schools directly rather than going through an agent, or even through the governing body (Govt / Private).

I am not personally familiar witht the range of agencies on offer down your way, but no doubt there will be atleast one or two groups similar to our Class Act theatre you specialise in theatre for schools. I am not too sure how you would go about locating such agencies, but againt if you consult with local schools or official governing bodies to see who they use...

Just some ideas to toss around.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile

NaMon, 23 Mar 2009, 03:29 pm

Clarification

"You could (as an option) make a few enquiries at local schools directly rather than going through an agent, or even through the governing body (Gavt / Private)." Well, duh! ;) Yeah, I'm going to do that too - but I thought perhaps it would be easier to go through an agent, simply because I don't have the time or inclination do so much legwork. I have my hands full just doing what I'm doing currently. I have some ideas on approaching a few local schools to get me started (my parents both work at my high school and know some teachers at other schools who might be interested), but I thought to really get out there an agent would help. Again, I have no problem locating such agents, as there are quite a number I know of that do represent puppeteers. I'm more interested in figuring out how to best contact them and present myself for representation. Turtle shadow puppet for sale at Puppets in Melbourne

LabrugMon, 23 Mar 2009, 03:37 pm

How to approach?

Approach them through the front door ;-) - and thanks for highlighting my typo too. :LOL:

I guess there really is no major difference than that of an actor approaching an agent. The usual: samples, portfolio, video. Yeah, the real Duh! stuff. I mean what else can you do?

Maybe look at it from the point of view of getting an agent for your puppets? ;-)

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile

NaMon, 23 Mar 2009, 04:17 pm

So ultimately, treat it the

So ultimately, treat it the same way as a normal agent. Ok, that helps a little. Thanks! Turtle shadow puppet for sale at Puppets in Melbourne

jeffhansenMon, 23 Mar 2009, 06:55 pm

Schools

Na, you might want to contact jessmess, who I think does this sort of school touring work. She might be able to help. www.meltheco.org.au

NaMon, 23 Mar 2009, 07:06 pm

Thanks Jeff, will do!

Thanks Jeff, will do! :) Turtle shadow puppet for sale at Puppets in Melbourne

jessmessTue, 24 Mar 2009, 09:22 am

School Agents

I'm not sure how it works over in melbourne, but over here there aren't so much 'agent's that book school shows, as there are Theatre Companies who tour to schools. Generally schools know very little about the theatre world and will respond in kind to an agent, a well known theatre company or your granny giving you a bit of help with cold calling. I've found it's best to mail a colourful promotional to the schools--a long way in advance, then follow it up closer to the tour, with another mailout, emails to the deputy principals, registrars or english/art teachers, and if you are feeling really adverturous cold calling. The last only really works with small schools or country areas. Now if you can employ someone as a part of your own business to do this, great. If you can obtain work with an established theatre company who are already in schools even better. But Labrug is right, it is much more like obtaining a job than finding an agent. (However Melbourne may operate differently to WA). Also, if you can obtain a healthways grant, or gain access into arts in education magazines, even make your way to a curriculum meeting then your really cooking with gas. In the end it is all promotional work and can be done by anyway with reverse marketing experience. I hope that was helpful and not confusing at all.

NaTue, 24 Mar 2009, 09:51 am

Well, now I'm confused. I'm

Well, now I'm confused. I'm aware of doing mail outs and stuff, many smaller groups I know do that. But I also know of several agents who work exclusively in approaching schools and booking shows. Richard Bradshaw (the famous shadow puppeteer) is represented by one such agent. I would think that these agents do much the same thing; send mail outs to the schools and make the bookings for the company. For example, this agency: http://www.youngaus.com.au/home.html I have no problems actually sending mail outs etc, my main issue is lack of time. I thought since these agents exist, it might be better to approach one of them who would have all this set up, than trying to find a volunteer to do the grunt work for me. (Me being without time currently to do it myself) Turtle shadow puppet for sale at Puppets in Melbourne

jessmessTue, 24 Mar 2009, 07:09 pm

Sorry NA

As I said, I'm not sure if it is different in Melbourne. To my knowledge no such agents are in operation in WA, but if there are agents who specifically book school shows in perth then I'd say they would do all the promo I described.

NaTue, 24 Mar 2009, 07:16 pm

Odd... I checked the

Odd... I checked the agents. One's in Sydney, one's in Melbourne, one's in Adelaide. All of them though seem to run stuff in other states. Silly to think that there's nothing in WA for that sort of stuff. Turtle shadow puppet for sale at Puppets in Melbourne

LabrugWed, 25 Mar 2009, 09:16 am

Sad but true

Totally agree Na, yet I personally find that WA is often considered last of all the states. Many even consider WA theatre to insignificant to be noted. Mind you, that is a perspective that is changing.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile

← Back to Billboard Bulletins