Studio B4, 3 Bradbury Street, London, N16 8JN
Tel: 020 7241 0077 Fax: 020 7241 2410
alpha@alphaactors.com

FAQ - Performers
Here are some of the questions we are frequently asked at Alpha Personal Management.

Q: What is a Co-Op Agency?
A: Primarily a group of actors who come together to represent each other in the casting marketplace. All members must be happy to commit to (and live close enough to the office in order to) come in and act as agent for the other members at least once a week. Basic office/computer skills are required.

Q: How can I join?
A: We accept submissions from professionally trained actors from NCDT/CDS colleges OR Actors who have worked within/are working in the profession (ie paid work with recognised companies/directors and not purely profit-share roles).

We do not accept submissions from people working within the walk-on/extra/amateur fields. Please do not be tempted to "pad-out" or enhance the credits on your CV, it simply brings the integrity of the remaining content into question. "your attached CV should tell all the truthful facts about your experience and skills and your photo should look like you." Sophie Marshall from Actors' Yearbook 2006.

Q: What if I am in a show that is a profit share?
A: If the profit share company is recognised and/or you feel confident that the role and production are of a sufficient professional standard to show your skills to good effect then please do send an invitation along with your 10x8 and CV.

Bear in mind that first impressions count, so be discerning with invitations/show/voicereels that you send to any agents or casting personnel.

Do not be offended if an agent attends anonymously or leaves at the interval - unfortunately it is a fact of the industry and can be for any number of reasons (time constraints and to avoid pressurised encounters after the show to name a few).

The important thing is that you have made them aware of your work. If they get the opportunity to attend, like what they see and need to follow up your submission, they will get in touch. A follow-up letter of any good reviews you receive is perfectly acceptable.

Alpha Personal Management need at least two weeks notice to attend a performance.

Q: Isn't it a bit of a catch 22?
A: Please remember all agencies require 'market ready' actors whose skills they can sell to the industry. An agency's reputation would be damaged by sending out clients who are untested (have not trained/have no real professional work experience).

Casting Directors trust that submissions from agencies will be appropriate. Agents therefore need to ensure that their clients have all the necessary skills to perform to their best abilities when called to a casting/get the job. It is harsh but at the end of the day professional acting is a business and actors are the product.

Q: Will you return my photo/CV/showreel?
A: If you supply an SAE we will return your property after we have evaluated your submission.

Q: How do I become a professional actor?
A: There are some very good books on this subject which would certainly give you a good head start as to what the acting industry will demand of you:

- An Actors Guide to Getting Work by Simon Dunmore
- The Actors Yearbook by Simon Dunmore
- Make Acting Work by Chrys Salt

You can also visit the following websites for other useful information: Equity, Spotlight and The Stage.

© 2008 Alpha Personal Management