Visitor 2005

Hello Australia.....I'm a young actor (musical theatre specialism + dance) who is planning a year or so in Oz, probably about the middle of next year. How does one go about finding agents for Sydney theatre scene? I want to try my luck at finding work whilst soaking up the Ozzie weather. I know a couple of ozzies who are doing well over here...so I'm hoping I could do the same in reverse! Any tips with regards to who the good agents (esp. MT) and the important casting directors are would be much appreciated.
Best Wishes
Dave Carboni

Hi there Davo. If you're looking for a musical theatre agent in particular then I'd say the best in Sydney would be Penny Williams Management (Hugh Jackman's agent, among others). However, it's safe to say that all of the respected agencies have a finger in every pot most of the time. I'd recommend:
RGM Associates, Shanahan Management, Sue Barnett & Associates, Lisa Mann Creative Management, Kubler Auckland Management, June Cann Management, James Laurie Management, International Casting Service & Associates (ICS), Encompass Management, Carloyn White Management, Bedford & Pearce Management, and Barbara Leane & Associates.

As you can see, there's a lot to choose from - and that's only scraping the iceberg. The top two would be RGM and Shanahan which you might possibly have no luck with, but give it a go anyways. I don't know how young you are exactly, but if you've had some experience with agents you'll know that being persistent but not annoying always helps. Rocking up to an agency and requesting an appointment when they have absolutely no idea who you are might be considered annoying. Tip - bring a showreel if you have one, or get involved with a respected non-profitable theatre organisation when you arrive (such as the New Theatre in Newtown) and invite all of the above to come see you in the show. Drop off a headshot and CV with the invitation :)

The whole casting director thing is another story. Mullinars, Maura Fay, Allison Barrett, Faith Martin, Prototype (Fox Studios), Christine King, and...um @!#$ I can't think of the other good one right now; I'll get back to you...all regularly cast for TV and film. Some shows have in-house casting directors (like Blue Heelers), as do most musical theatre shows that I've auditioned for. Sometimes a huge cattle call will be advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald (newspaper :) for a musical theatre show, other times a call from my agent is the first I hear of it.

I also have to say at this point (even though you're a year and a bit off coming over here), that the musical theatre scene here at the moment is fairly non-existent. You'll find more work in TV, film, "straight" theatre, and commercials than in your specialised medium. Oh ps add Toni Higginbotham and C for Casting to your list of casting agents - they only do commercials.

That's all I can offer you right now - good luck with everything and email me if you need more help. I do believe I've joined the essay writing club.

Peace.

Justin wrote:
> I do believe I've joined the essay writing club.


Top marks, Justin. Intelligent, informative, appropriate, generous, and unlike many of mine, not at all smart-arsed.

Peace back at ya.

Craig

[%sig%]

hiya


melbourne is the Theatre capital of Australia - go to Melbourne

Steve

yo yo... Susie Maizel is the other casting director I couldn't think of before. Ah the memory...sheesh.

could someone please tell me the actual street address for Christine King Casting
and their website address
thanks
following up on Ghost Rider casting..
andrabrockett@yahoo.com

Hi Justin

Are you still around? Love to talk to you re agents.
Shoot me an email if you are ok. Tata
Isa

Hi what is the difference between an and agency and a casting director? Are thay the same?
What do you need for work in film and tv not musicals?
If you can give me the name,number and website of some in Sydney it would be a huge help.
You can email me.
Cecilia