At a sure level of their profession, many dancers get an agent — to assist them e-book work, to advocate for them throughout contract negotiations, to maintain them related with viable alternatives and extra. Reserving an agent can due to this fact really feel like an indication of profession development — of getting “made it,” so to talk.
For some rising artists, such a purpose can include many essential questions. The place can brokers who may e-book me see me and meet me? Is it the precise time to e-book an agent; is it price it for the place I’m now? If I have been to get an agent, how can I take advantage of out of that working relationship?
To handle these and plenty of different questions that agent-seeking dance artists could have, Dance Informa speaks with two artists who’ve been there: Kaitlin Niewoehner (presently on tour with West Aspect Story) and Asia Miller (Los Angeles, CA). They’ve each booked brokers, and are presently working with an agent – providing them expertise and insights to assist different artists maybe have a smoother, extra fruitful time by that journey.
The ‘when,’ ‘what’ and ‘why’
Earlier in her profession, Niewoehner didn’t see it as fairly the precise time for an agent. Her performing contracts merely weren’t paying sufficient to divvy out a share of that to an agent. But, as she acquired additional alongside that path, she began to see how simple it’s for producers to make the most of performers – and, for his or her half, performers to not totally perceive contract dynamics. For Niewoehner, having an agent “is sensible to assist with the contract facet of issues.”
For Miller, getting an agent helped distinguish her from different L.A.-based artists when she first moved on the market (throughout COVID, after lockdowns had lifted sufficient to make the transfer from NYC). “L.A. is simply so saturated,” she notes. “You simply need to get it achieved and put your self on the market when you may!” An agent can actually assist artists do exactly that.
The ‘who’ and ‘the place’
Okay, so say that you just’re an artist who believes that now could be the precise time so that you can get an agent. First, how are you aware if a sure agent is best for you? One side of that query is that if they’re proper – and lifelike – for the place you’re proper now in your profession.
Niewoehner suggests following a potential agent on Instagram and seeing what their purchasers are reserving. Is it work that you just wish to be doing, and is reserving that sort of work attainable at this level in your profession? Miller thinks alongside the identical traces; she suggests “doing all of your analysis” a few potential company, with “what sort of work you wish to be doing” very a lot in thoughts as you accomplish that.
Niewoehner raises one other essential query: is that agent already representing somebody who’s precisely your “kind”? Greater businesses may be capable to symbolize a number of folks of the identical kind, she notes – nevertheless it’s a dynamic to contemplate. “When reaching out to a particular agent by a referral, it’s finest to have pals of various varieties symbolize you,” she notes. Miller agrees; she factors out that if you happen to do get signed with an company that represents many artists who look identical to you, you’ll need to work that a lot tougher to tell apart your self.
So you’ve got a gathering with a potential agent in your calendar – nice! If you first meet with them, gauge if they appear excited about you and your profession, Niewoehner recommends. “Are they approachable? Does there appear to be potential so that you can construct a profitable working relationship with them?”
All of that may be difficult to learn at first, as you’re feeling one another out, she provides. But, typically our intestine instincts can provide us helpful clues. Moreover, in relation to the query of if they will actually make it easier to advance in your profession, contemplate if they’ve sway with casting in addition to energy at massive within the business. Each issues are essential, Niewoehner believes.
Miller has labored with two totally different businesses – a smaller and a bigger one – so she has a way of how the scale of the company also can influence issues. “An even bigger company has a much bigger identify, to get you into totally different rooms, however a smaller company can provide you extra individualized consideration,” she explains.
Whereas already signed with an company on the smaller facet, she had a session assembly with representatives from a bigger one. What she primarily needed to search out out from that assembly was how the bigger company may assist her “construct on what [her] first company helped [her] to attain.” Niewoehner advocates for getting into these conferences with that type of readability. “Include particular questions – for instance, on contracts,” she advises.
The ‘how’
This will very nicely be the half that many agent-seeking artists actually marvel about – however how do I’m going about reserving one? Miller and Niewoehner have some nice ideas right here. Have your entire supplies prepared, in a presentable portfolio, for one. Additionally remember to “make the most of alternatives to place your self in entrance of them – put your self on the market,” Miller recommends.
Even when these alternatives don’t end in reserving an agent, they might produce other constructive outcomes. For instance, Niewoehner went to an agent networking occasion together with her dream company – and whereas it didn’t result in her reserving an agent, she did find yourself networking with a choreographer whose eye she caught.
One other efficient technique will be merely reaching out to potential brokers, leveraging your current community to take action. Niewoehner reached out to pals who’ve brokers, asking them in the event that they’d be alright with sharing their agent’s contact data. She then reached out to these brokers, asking in the event that they’d be excited about assembly. “So a lot of them didn’t reply – however the one who did reply is now my agent,” she shares.
…and extra: taking advantage of having an agent
Niewoehner can be clear: “Even once you get an agent, it’s what you make of it. You continue to need to work to get your self into rooms, and you might want to be responsive {and professional} in your communication.” Miller agrees. “The work isn’t achieved once you get an agent!” she says.
In case your agent is struggling to be responsive and well timed, it could possibly be as a result of they’re working with 30 different purchasers. You may rise towards the highest of their pile, so to talk, by being as skilled as doable. Being as clear and communicative as doable, in knowledgeable method, additionally creates “alternatives to construct belief,” Niewoehner says. Miller believes that displaying up at company occasions additionally helps there. “Present your face, or you may get forgotten about,” she warns.
Niewoehner additionally suggests at all times having one thing new to present them once you meet with them – for instance, an up to date reel or an invite to an upcoming work that you just’ll be performing in. “Have one thing recent to show that you’re actively doing work.” General, the standard of your work will converse for itself, Niewoehner affirms.
An agent and their shopper are a group. Making the match is step one, after which the actually thrilling work can occur. With diligence, professionalism and thoughtfulness, that may transpire for you, too!
By Kathryn Boland of Dance Informa.
