Thread: How do you get represented by a talent agency?

I have been looking at some talent agencies in my area that represent Middle Eastern dancers.....I have even recognized some local dancers on their websites, all though they might be using some older (read: younger) pics of the dancers.....

How do you get in with them though? Prepare a video, send a headshot? Wait to be approached?

I would like to do more party work in my area and to be honest I am more interested in paying someone to do the leg work for me (as in advertising, setting up gigs, arranging payment, etc.) and just tell me where to show up and dance and pick up my paycheck!

Any tips for those of you that use agencies?

Yeli

Originally Posted by yeli

I have been looking at some talent agencies in my area that represent Middle Eastern dancers.....I have even recognized some local dancers on their websites, all though they might be using some older (read: younger) pics of the dancers.....

How do you get in with them though? Prepare a video, send a headshot? Wait to be approached?

I would like to do more party work in my area and to be honest I am more interested in paying someone to do the leg work for me (as in advertising, setting up gigs, arranging payment, etc.) and just tell me where to show up and dance and pick up my paycheck!

Any tips for those of you that use agencies?

Yeli

I would also like to know this. I'm assuming a head shot and resume will be required but what else?

This is a good question! Looking forward to hearing some responses!

I'm interested in hearing about this as well!

How would you know which agencies are best?

it was suggested to hook up with a reputable agency, so i'd like the pros n cons............gonna do it, but looking for experiences

Originally Posted by yeli

I have been looking at some talent agencies in my area that represent Middle Eastern dancers.....I have even recognized some local dancers on their websites, all though they might be using some older (read: younger) pics of the dancers.....

How do you get in with them though? Prepare a video, send a headshot? Wait to be approached?

I would like to do more party work in my area and to be honest I am more interested in paying someone to do the leg work for me (as in advertising, setting up gigs, arranging payment, etc.) and just tell me where to show up and dance and pick up my paycheck!

Any tips for those of you that use agencies?

Yeli

I used to be represented by an agency. They contacted me and I sent them a 5 minute performance dvd, 2 business cards, a teaching flyer/class description, and a performance description/rate list. Once they had reviewed my materials, there was a contract to sign. I signed for one year and did not renew with them after that. While I did receive a number of bookings through them, I felt that their booking fees/percentage was not worth it for me. They also had a rule that you do not negotiate directly with the client - which is understandable, but makes it very difficult to find out the performance details with the level of information I prefer.

My suggestion would be to send a promotional packet to them with a letter indicating your interest in being represented by their agency. Depending on the number of requests they have for belly dancers and the feedback for the belly dancers already on staff, they may not be interested or they may call you immediately. If you sign a contract make sure that it does not prohibit you from seeking your own gigs outside of the agency because some do have that clause. (Mine did, but it was removed in the contract negotiations.)

Good luck!

I'm booked with several agencies in Vegas. Don't sign an exclusive with any one agency, you want to be able to work for all of them, go into their office, fill out a talent application, take some 8 x 10's and business cards. Also a demo video if you have one, as well as a price sheet of what you charge, so they know what to charge the client on top of your fee.
Most agencies charge the client, and don't take a percentage of the dancers fee's. I give them prices for a show, where I leave after I perform, as well as an hourly rate for hotel/corporate work, where I meet and greet the guests at the door, dance, do photo ops with the guests, etc.
Also let them know you are available for character rolls, sometimes the client may have a "Gypsy" party theme, and want atmosphere dancers in full skirts with tambourines, or Arabian nights parties (uggh....love those stereotypes!)

If you need any price guidelines you can email me directly at aradia11@aol.com

Originally Posted by Aradia

I'm booked with several agencies in Vegas. Don't sign an exclusive with any one agency, you want to be able to work for all of them, go into their office, fill out a talent application, take some 8 x 10's and business cards. Also a demo video if you have one, as well as a price sheet of what you charge, so they know what to charge the client on top of your fee.
Most agencies charge the client, and don't take a percentage of the dancers fee's. I give them prices for a show, where I leave after I perform, as well as an hourly rate for hotel/corporate work, where I meet and greet the guests at the door, dance, do photo ops with the guests, etc.
Also let them know you are available for character rolls, sometimes the client may have a "Gypsy" party theme, and want atmosphere dancers in full skirts with tambourines, or Arabian nights parties (uggh....love those stereotypes!)

If you need any price guidelines you can email me directly at aradia11@aol.com

I need to do that! Do you know of somebody who could shoot a decent quality video? I'd like to try:)

Originally Posted by Dahabiya

I need to do that! Do you know of somebody who could shoot a decent quality video? I'd like to try:)

When my video guy comes to town to shoot the Aziza show, maybe we could set something up for you then.

Originally Posted by yeli

How do you get in with them though? Prepare a video, send a headshot? Wait to be approached?

Why don't you simply contact them and ask: "I would like to be represented by you. What would you like me to send?"

I am always one to speak to people direclty

Don't wait to be approached. After all they NEED artists to offer to their clients, so they should be happy that they don't have to look out for them.

MEISSOUN

I contacted a large entertainment agency in Dallas earlier this year. I think I initially just sent an email to someone with a link to my web site. They invited me to come to their next open casting session which was set up in a room at a big hotel. I think they only do this once a year. They gave me ONE minute to demonstrate my talent before the judges panel. Instructions were very strict about music being cut off at the one-minute mark. I had time to swoop in with my veil, clack the finger cymbals a few times, and -boom- that was it!!! Then, after I was done, they were like... "can't you dance some more? did you bring your sword? etc." ,r:; I've gotten a few jobs through them since then. Well-paying, upscale events with big corporate clients. They do tend to be more atmosphere jobs than actual performing though. If you have amazing costuming (which I know you do, Yeli) it's just as important to them, if not more so, than your actual dancing ability.