An Actor Walks Into An Agency ...

You ever feel like the universe is talking to you, trying to tell you something but you have no idea what that message could possibly be? Here are the facts - Sept 2019 we filmed the duchess. Sept 2020, we held a virtual staged reading for the waltz, unlike anything I’d ever seen or been a part of. Sept 2021 I became a Sundance fellow. And Sept 2022, I was signed to Alexander White Agency, no audition, talent recognizant. 

Let me backtrack here. In 2017, I auditioned for AWA. It was the first agency I’d auditioned for. My dream agency, really. Like, after plenty of research, AWA gave the aesthetic and drive that seemed to match mine. I didn’t get in. And six months later I signed with XYZ Talent in 2018. It felt like a nightmare; little to no communication. Actually, I would write at least once a year (not very often) giving an update on what I’d been doing and asking if there was anything they needed from me, etc. Nothing. Actually, their form of communication seemed to be placating me with “here’s an audition, see?”. And y’all know me. I’m not a fan of frequent communication so I’m not bugging them, just a yearly check-in and they can’t be bothered? So when the panini hit, I had already been plotting my exit but whatevs. My contract was up in 2020 ( I found out later that 2-year first-year contracts are NOT normal, but whatevs.). And then, 2021. I found my worth. I mean, I’d been known, but confirmation was provided (it was Sundance)

And, again, when I update them via email of becoming a Sundance fellow - crickets. It was time to go. So, I made inquiries amongst friends and was referred to a new agency. I went in and sat with Laura, and we chatted. See, I love this. I love a get-to-know. I love a personal connection. I got to know her and she got to know me. And she confirmed what I already knew about my old agency. 

I tend to make quick judgments. Gut decisions. It’s how I cast The Waltz. It’s how I’ve attached people and productions to the waltz. At the end of the day, go with what will let me sleep at night. Doing nothing is a decision in and of itself, so if you’ve given yourself plenty of time to consider a decision, just go with what’s in your gut. Especially if you ask someone for advice and it feels like they’re having to convince you of their side. So I signed with ***, and honestly, it was a night and day difference. Auditions out the gate. Consistent auditions. I was shocked. Gobsmacked. I should sue my former agency for malfeasance or malpractice or just general mal, but I’m not holding onto that energy. Vaya con Dios, and let karma take care of the rest. 

Honestly, I was happy with Laura and ***. Living my best life feeling like I had a friend in the entertainment business. Now I just needed a friend in the diamond business.

And then, a week ago, *** sends out a mass email saying they’re closing their talent division. And I am completely sidelined. T bone car crashed into me. Complete structural damage, that car is totaled. 

Less than 24 hours later, we get an email from Laura. She had to collect the emails that she could by hand and was in the process of making a change Hold tight, but she understood if one couldn’t. I am intrigued. So very intrigued. And I'm also in rehearsals for a show, plus preparing for a staged reading so I’ve got time to wait around. And I’ve been practically waiting since 2017, so what’s a few more days? 

And then, yesterday she lands. She lands at the biggest agency (to me) in Atlanta. Yeah. the one at the top of this story. And they’ve extended an offer to me, barring any contractual obligations. Do you know how quickly I got on the phone to call and confirm with the old agency that we had no more ties and were done. Finito. Caput? 

By the close of business that day, the ink was dry on the contracts. All signage had been changed on IMDb, Actors Access, and Casting Networks. It was complete and utter whiplash. 

I’m still in shock. And still trying to figure out what this means. Like the Sundance thing, it feels in isolation. 

And I’m still in shock. By sheer luck I landed at my dream agency.