Earn one here....
"If you show us you've got what it takes, I will personally get behind you and make sure you are introduced to the top agents in the industry..." - GROVER DALE
Since the Agent Referral Program was established in July, 2010...42 members earned referrals and were introduced to multiple agents in New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Vancouver, and Los Angeles. Connections were made. Face-to-face meetings occured. Auditions were held. Contracts were signed. Today, eighteen of them are represented by the best agencies in the country.
Does the 'referral program' change the process for securing representation?
Yes, and it saves a lot of time. On both sides of the table. For members, referrals move them past the traditional selection process. Instead of showing up 'cold' and competing in an open audition with 100 or more dancers, they show up pre-screened, knowing that 'interest' in them has already been expressed by the agency. Agents like Steve Chatelet of bloc, assure us that agencies appreciate access to pre-screened and job-ready dancers.
What does 'job-ready' mean?
Well-rounded dance skills are essential. But so are personal characteristics. Are you committed to being a team-player? Will you make yourself valuable to others in the workplace? Can you tune in to what's needed and deliver it?
How do members earn referrals?
Most requirements are based on what agents need from their dancer clients. First. build an effective demo reel (a popular activity on iDANCE2). During that creative process, engage your team-playing skills. Show that you're capable of making yourself valuable to others. Offer feedback and apply it when it comes back to you. Build supportive friendships with A4D members and staffers. Use SMART VIDS to inform yourself about agent/client relationships. Get serious about relocating. When staffers recognize the progress you're making, they will identify you as a referral candidate and offer additional coaching.
How long will it take?
The length of time varies. A few referrals were designated in 4 to 6 weeks, while most occured after 4 to 6 months.
What happens for the member after representation is secured?
Once representation is secured, the member circulates among the industry's top professional dancers, choreographers, directors, and casting directors. When they walk in the door, they are thought of as 'working dancers' and treated as such. On A4D, they become eligible for positions on 'Meet Our Bookers' and Killer Reels where their work is showcased and seen by a global audience of potential employers.
HOT SPOT ON AGENT REFERRAL SUCCESS:
Here are member reactions to the Program:
Immediately following the initial announcement of five referrals, these members responded immediately.
LAUREN CANNON
JOEL RONNIE
CHRIS KLEBBA
JANELLE JUNIO
AMANDA MILLS
Recently, Trai Allgeier, Sade Simmons, and RayShawn got the call from Lucille DiCampli they were waiting for! As a result of referrals earned on IDANCE2 and solid performances at MSA’s agency audition, all three dancers were signed by the New York office. How do they feel about it?
“I’m still pinching myself to make sure it’s real! I can’t thank A4D enough for all the help and advice.
What a wonderful day!” - TRAI ALLGEIER
“I took a chance and posted my videos on iDANCE2. Grover immediately saw my potential and sent them to his list of agents. I was shocked at how fast the responses came in. Then I realized this is exactly what I've been looking for my entire life. A chance to be seen and heard. Grover became the bridge for me to connect with MSA.” - RAYSHAWN
Candidates are identified on iDANCE2, where dancers interact, build demo reels, and exchange feedback. Any member can qualify for the Referral Program simply by delivering....
1. At least one "effective" demo reel suitable for submitting to dance agencies.
2. Team-playing tendencies.
3. Constructive feedback to others.
1. Candidates' headshots and links to demo reels are submitted to multiple agencies in NYC, LA, Vegas, and Atlanta.
2. After agents review the submissions, they notify A4D of their interest in specific candidates. This can take as long as five or six weeks.
3. A4D forwards news of the agent's interest to the member.
4. From here, it's the members responsibility to follow-up on the opportunity. Grover stays involved and provides personal guidance when needed. Members are advised to follow through in a professional manner.
5. In most cases, agents will invite the member to their next audition, a 'sing-and-read,' a one-to-one interview, or any combination of all three. The window of time for this process may take several months. Patience will be an asset.
6. Agents are subject to busy schedules and unexpected revisions. Meetings with potential clients may be postponed and rescheduled. Again, patience becomes an asset. Recently, a member grew alarmed when a agent took longer than 2 weeks to reschedule a meeting. We advised him to send a brief email message assuring the agent of his continuing enthusiasm about working with her agency.
7. Throughout this process, we suggest that members include a thumbnail headshot in all emails to keep a visual connection going.
8. Following the audition(s) and / or meeting, an orientation meeting usually occurs at the agency's office. Often, the official signing happens here as well.
9. An important agent issue will be the candidate's readiness to relocate. Agents want clients close enough to attend auditions with one or two hour's notice. Long-distance clients are not what agents are looking for.
1. In addition to participating on iDANCE2, there are informative videos available on A4D featuring agents and the characteristics they expect in clients. They share examples of what works and what doesn't throughout the job scene (casting, rehearsals, on-the-set, and behind-the-scenes). Many of the videos feature clients offering ideas from "how often they visit their agents" to "how to make an agent's top ten list." Over 100 videos are available. Do your legwork.
2. Research the agency websites. See who they feature and the job opportunities they're involved in. A look at their list of choreographer clients may influence you about the agencies you'd prefer to work with.
3. Talk to your iDANCE2 friends. Talk to members who've gone through the referral process. Their experiences will benefit you.
NaTonia Monet’s activity on iDANCE2 earned her an agent referral in March, 2011. By July, she was actively engaged in communicating with at least one New York agency and ‘processing’ her results with Grover Dale. Their exchanges confirm that a ‘no’ doesn’t always mean ‘no.’ ‘When dancers approach agencies with positive attitudes,’ adds Grover, ‘there’s always a way to keep the door open. NaTonia’s experience with MSA proves it!'
LUKE IS FIGURING OUT WHAT TO DO ABOUT RELOCATING!
BACKGROUND ON LUKE STOCKTON: Recently, Luke demonstrated on iDANCE2 that he prefers getting in the game instead of waiting on the sidelines. Example: he developed an effective demo reel in less than 2 weeks. His determination got him through seven versions. Also, he went the extra mile interacting with other dancers. He gave as much feedback as he got. He was totally on it. A true team player.
Day 13. We informed him that he was a likely candidate for an agent referral. To activate introductions, we needed to know how close he was located to Los Angeles. We learned he lived in a small town near Monterey in Northern California which, at best, is a 5-6 hour drive from Los Angeles. Sensing why we asked the question, he responded with… “It’s harder to get an agent when you aren’t living near their offices, isn’t it?” “Yes it is,” we wrote back. “5-6 hours driving time means you won’t be available for "short-notice" calls.”
Facts show that most auditions occur with a full day or two notice, but there are “short-notice” ones to deal with as well. It’s not unusual to get called for an audition that starts in two hours. “Being available” is a key factor for agencies. Truth is, there are days when dancers are juggling 2 or 3 auditions on the same day…so it’s reasonable to see why long distance relationships don’t work for either party.
To help Luke through this process, we encouraged him to take as much time as he needed to arrive at a plan to relocate. We assured him he’s already earned an agent-referral, so the question becomes…. when is the most favorable time to activate it….?
“ Wow, decision time,” responded Luke. “I will figure this out. Okay, another question. I sent my information to Jodie S. at Stiletto Entertainment and received an email back from her. She is very interested and impressed with my material. She said she rarely hires dancers from video submissions and wants me to attend a live audition. If I was to be hired by Stiletto, how does that affect my chances of the agent referral?
We assured him that accepting employment from any production company will not block or disqualify his referral. It’s all about timing. From our experience, the best time to introduce Luke (or any other dancer) to agencies is when they’re able to assure agencies they’re fully committed to relocating. “
Luke understood that he was facing an important decision.
“All of this happened very fast for you,” we added. “Relocating is a big decision and involves more than just yourself...family relationships, finances, etc. It deserves consideration...and lots of it. Give yourself time to arrive at a decision that really works for you and those you care about.”
Luke’s response came quickly. “Yes, finances are a factor. As for my family they are right behind me and want me to pursue what I have the passion for. They know I will need to relocate to a city that is centered around the entertainment industry. Also, I know I am coming at this quick but it's the dancer in me. This has been a thought in my mind but now the possibilities are becoming a reality. I am thinking: audition for Stiletto in two weeks and see what happens. If not hired… look into relocating to southern CA around the new year. But I will definitely take some more time to process everything and consider all the possibilities. Thank you for your support.”
Grover wants members to be aware of things that can influence signing decisions. Here's an example that happened recently:
AFTER EARNING A REFERRAL, CANADIAN DANCER CHRISTINA SCHELL ADDRESSED HER RELOCATION AND VISA PLANNING WITH GROVER. Read their exchange here.
Christina was included in his list of referrals submitted to agencies on Dec 8, 2010.
