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I hope you understand how casting generally works, but just in case I’ll explain that casting directors are hired to help cast a project. The CD writes a “breakdown” (a description of the roles to e cast) and they control who has access to the breakdowns using an online communication network like Breakdown Services. For most “good” projects the breakdowns are released to licensed talent agents only (not to actors). The agents review the breakdowns and submit the actor for the roles. That’s why you need an agent for better paying jobs.

You understand that your agent gets paid a percentage of what you get paid right? So they’re not going to be working to get you auditions for roles that don’t pay or pay very little. There’s just not a big financial incentive for them to do that. The thing about independent films (especially if they’re non-union) – they don’t pay much or have a deferred payment (which means the actor won’t get paid until the movie actually starts to make a profit.) So you really shouldn’t be expecting your agent to get you some of those auditions – it’s always been up to you to do that. And if you do get a role on your own that you’re paid for – your agent may still get a percentage of what you’re paid even if you don’t feel they did anything (depending on the contract you signed with them). Something you should be aware of.

I’m not saying that your agent doesn’t suck – I have no idea who your agent is or how good they are. But it would appear that you didn’t have a good understanding of the industry when you got an agent, so I just don’t want you blaming them just because you didn’t understand how the industry works. It’s quite possible that you have a bad agent, but it might be your fault as well. Your agent may be submitting you for paying roles, it’s just that you’re headshot, resume or acting reel are not quite good enough to get you called for an audition. Or you may have a bad agent and you might want to do better research if you try to look for another one. Just some things you should be aware of for the future.

So how do you find auditions? Like most things – networking is a good way. That means you need to know who the film makers and casting directors are in your area and what projects they’re working on. Go to local film festivals (volunteer to work if you can), do an internet search, talk to other actors. Talk to the film makers about their past projects, express interest in working with them in the future. Look for opportunities to let area casting directors know who you are and what you can do. Send the casting directors updates of our work and invite them to see your current projects. If you can do well in your other work – like theater work – people may be willing to let you know about other opportunities. Contact local film schools and ask how they find actors for student films and check those resources. Check out the website of your local film commission and see what opportunities are there. These are just some basic networking and marketing things an actor needs to be doing.

There are some websites that list breakdowns for actors. The breakdowns that actors have access to will generally be for the low-to-no pay jobs that agents wouldn’t be interested in getting for you, but they can provide you with some experience. Check out Actors Access, NY Casting (Casting Networks) and Now Casting. You may have to pay some fees to join or to submit – but these are generally legitimate online casting sites.

A big mistake wannabe actors make is thinking they can just get an agent and then they sit back and wait for auditions to come. Professional acting is a business, not a lottery. If you approach it as a business, learn how to effectively market yourself and how to network and make connections you’ll have a much better chance of success.

So my other recommendation would be that you spend more time researching and learning the business end of things. The backstage.com website has helpful articles and advice for professional actors. You might also want to check out some books about the acting industry and how to manage a professional acting career. Remember it’s your career so you’re the one that has to be in charge of it.

Good luck.