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 linked with viable alternatives and extra. Reserving an agent can subsequently really feel like an indication of profession development — of getting “made it,” so to talk.
For some rising artists, such a objective can include many essential questions. The place can brokers who would possibly e book me see me and meet me? Is it the fitting time to e book an agent; is it value 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 lots of different questions that agent-seeking dance artists could have, Dance Informa speaks with two artists who’ve been there: Kaitlin Niewoehner (at the moment on tour with West Aspect Story) and Asia Miller (Los Angeles, CA). They’ve each booked brokers, and are at the moment 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 fitting 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 bought additional alongside that path, she began to see how straightforward it’s for producers to reap the benefits of performers – and, for his or her half, performers to not absolutely perceive contract dynamics. For Niewoehner, having an agent “is sensible to assist with the contract aspect 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 must get it achieved and put your self on the market when you’ll be able to!” An agent can definitely assist artists do exactly that.
The ‘who’ and ‘the place’
Okay, so say that you simply’re an artist who believes that now’s the fitting time so that you can get an agent. First, how are you aware if a sure agent is best for you? One facet of that query is that if they’re proper – and sensible – for the place you might be proper now in your profession.
Niewoehner suggests following a potential agent on Instagram and seeing what their shoppers are reserving. Is it work that you simply wish to be doing, and is reserving that type 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 achieve this.
Niewoehner raises one other essential query: is that agent already representing somebody who’s precisely your “kind”? Larger companies would possibly have the ability to symbolize a number of folks of the identical kind, she notes – nevertheless it’s a dynamic to contemplate. “When reaching out to a selected agent by a referral, it’s greatest to have pals of various sorts 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 similar to you, you’ll must work that a lot tougher to tell apart your self.
So you could have a gathering with a potential agent in your calendar – nice! Whenever you first meet with them, gauge if they appear curious 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, generally our intestine instincts may give us helpful clues. Moreover, relating to the query of if they will really show you how to advance in your profession, take into account if they’ve sway with casting in addition to energy at massive within the trade. Each issues are essential, Niewoehner believes.
Miller has labored with two totally different companies – a smaller and a bigger one – so she has a way of how the scale of the company also can affect issues. “An even bigger company has a much bigger identify, to get you into totally different rooms, however a smaller company may give you extra individualized consideration,” she explains.
Whereas already signed with an company on the smaller aspect, she had a session assembly with representatives from a bigger one. What she primarily needed to seek out out from that assembly was how the bigger company would possibly assist her “construct on what [her] first company helped [her] to attain.” Niewoehner advocates for getting into these conferences with that form of readability. “Include particular questions – for instance, on contracts,” she advises.
The ‘how’
This will very effectively be the half that many agent-seeking artists really marvel about – however how do I am going about reserving one? Miller and Niewoehner have some nice ideas right here. Have your whole supplies prepared, in a presentable portfolio, for one. Additionally make sure to “reap the benefits 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 optimistic 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 might 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 information. She then reached out to these brokers, asking in the event that they’d be curious about assembly. “So lots 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 also be clear: “Even once you get an agent, it’s what you make of it. You continue to must work to get your self into rooms, and that you must be responsive {and professional} in your communication.” Miller agrees. “The work will not be achieved once you get an agent!” she says.
In case your agent is struggling to be responsive and well timed, it might be as a result of they’re working with 30 different shoppers. 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 exhibiting up at company occasions additionally helps there. “Present your face, or you will get forgotten about,” she warns.
Niewoehner additionally suggests all the time having one thing new to provide them once you meet with them – for instance, an up to date reel or an invite to an upcoming work that you simply’ll be performing in. “Have one thing recent to show that you’re actively doing work.” Total, the standard of your work will communicate for itself, Niewoehner affirms.
An agent and their consumer are a workforce. 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.
