I know talent with next to no working credits on their résumé who have an agent. I know talent with tons of working credits who can’t get seen by an agent.  I know talent who have an agent, but have been out on an audition for years (I’ve also no idea why people stay with these agents or why agents hold onto them). I grow more and more convinced getting an agent has more to do with your hit, your ongoing passion and your continued training than your actual experience. Of course, experience helps, but what I’m saying is it may not be critical to getting your first agent.

So you’ve got credits. GREAT! Sure, there are agents who only want established talent. But there are many agents who want new faces, new talents they can nurture. With no credits to your name you have two things you can start with. Training and life experiences.

Always list your training. Keep the freshest and most recent training on the resume. If your training is old you need to be honest about it and seek current training.  Now that said, I know as much as anybody, training costs money. So, just like a business (and you are a small, self employed business person - or you should be treating it this way) you have to come up with a budget and a training plan that is reasonable within your financial resources and available time.

If the last (and only) class you took was a year ago…good luck. There are thousands of actors who are continually polishing their craft, why wouldn't an  agent choose them. (I know you're "gifted" or "special" and yes, a rare few of you will get agents).

But if you’re last acting class was a year ago, and then you took a movement class two months later, and then you took an improvisation class a month after that, and then you took a training break but are now half way through a six week voice class , all over the course of the last year…then you’ll have a better chance.

Working or not, the best actors are perpetually training in something related to the craft. It let’s the agents, and the Casting Directors know you’re sharp and ready to go. You commitment to staying on top of your game says as much if not more about you than your working credits. 

However, if all you have is a few high school or college productions under your belt and a movement class that was three years ago, then list them and go for it.  My two cents, if this is you, I’d highly suggest you be enrolled in something related to the craft, anything, during your agent search so that you show renewed commitment and interest. And, so you have something to talk about with them should you get an interview.

No matter how many credits you have or do not have, train. Then train some more. Training will put you ahead of the pack who does not train or keep their training up to date. Regardless of your working credits, By training you prove yourself interested in your craft, and that makes you interesting to an agent.