You did it: through whatever various means, you suddenly find yourself in the room of an agent or manager for an interview! Let's say, for completely hypothetical and non-autobiographical example, they saw you at a graduating showcase and invited you in. You probably have had less than 24 hours' notice, you might've been asked to bring additional monologues and songs and headshots, and you're given an address you've never been to. What do you do? How do you prepare?

Here's one way to think about it:

A meeting with an agent or manager is just like a first date.

There! Aren't you glad we now have that non-stressful, always fun and successful comparison to go on?

Here's a couple words of advice.

Don't Over-Dress or Over-Think
You don't want to show up for a first date in a tux, or take the date to Disneyland or on a vacation to the Bahamas. You're putting too much pressure on both the other person and yourself. Similarly, don't show up to an agent or manager dressed to the nines.

...But Still Present the Best You
That said, don't show up in pajama pants either. The key is be yourself - the BEST of yourself. Wear your favorite shirt or cute dress, bring your favorite monologues that show a glimpse of who YOU are.

Be On Time: AKA, Be a Little Early
First dates and first meetings are first impressions. In a business where timeliness is essential, you should work to give a good first impression. When I was in NYC, I always gave myself an extra hour on top of the expected travel time (for traffic, and because I'm terrible at directions).

At the same time, you don't want to be TOO early. Sometimes the office is really small and they don't have space. I try to bring a book and know the location of a nearby Starbucks so I can read for 10-15 if I'm excessively early.

Bad First Daters
Some people are really bad at first dates - even people that we really like, or are actually really awesome! Similarly, some agents can give really awful first impressions. I had one meeting with an agent who during my monologues did not look at me, answered his phone, sent an email, ate his sandwich... But at the end of the meeting he expressed interest and asked me to notify him if I'm moving to the city. In general, give people the benefit of the doubt and don't take things personally.

You Don't Need Their Validation
By the same token, sometimes people are just actually assholes. Cecily Strong of SNL, a recent CalArts alum, talked to us about how right out of school, she had met with people who were awful to her, telling her to lose weight, that she didn't have a face for film (TV MAAAYBE but film no), all kinds of horrible things. Just like how you don't need the validation of some random creepo to know you're a worthwhile and interesting person, you also don't need the validation of some agent or manager to know you're a worthwhile actor.

Background Checks / Do Your Homework
Before going on a date, it never hurts to do a little work to screen out the crazies
- or even just the incompatibles. Is she notoriously mean and shallow? Is he super-obsessed with hunting while you're a vegan? Similarly, is the agent a theater focused company while you're looking at TV/Film? Did a friend have that manager for two weeks before firing her because she's awful?

Walk in with some familiarity with the agent/manager's work. In the digital age, it's pretty easy to gather at least some cursory information. Also have questions ready; you're interviewing them as much as they are you.

Love is a Two Way Street
So is signing with an agent. Remember, if they asked you in, that means they're at least a little into you! That doesn't mean however you HAVE to be into them. Just as they're seeing if you fit what they're looking for, you should be seeing if they fit where you want your career to go.

Blind Dates
It's important to know that sometimes you're going into a meeting on a blind date. From my showcase, I walked into a few offices where the manager didn't actually see my performance - their assistant or partner did. (Or they just liked my headshot.) Those are just tougher nuts to crack- there's just less common ground to start conversations. Be aware and be prepared.

Don't be Afraid to Make the First Move
Now might not be a good time to confess I'm terrible at first dates. I get shy, and often don't know how to approach the initial ask. But if I'm really attracted to someone, I get over it and just take a leap and introduce myself.

Translating that to agents and managers is a little different. Most agencies don't take blind submissions (they're inundated with them, like the lone girl at a bar on a Tuesday night). However, if you, say, work in the same office as that lone girl, or perhaps know her cousin from high school, you can at least start a conversation.

Similarly, I had reached out to an agency I was really interested in that came to our showcase, but didn't ask me for a meeting. Guess what: they sent me a thank you, and asked for a headshot and resume to keep on file.

Now, was that the agent-equivalent of getting friend-zoned? ...a bit. But that started a relationship I otherwise would not have had at ALL. Now in the future if they see me around, they might actually remember my name at least instead of me being another anonymous face.

A quick note: if you're doing the initial ask, it's important not to be asking FOR something. Don't be that skeezy guy at the bar. Just start conversations and build relationships. Does that skeezy guy get the girl? Sometimes. Are they meaningful relationships that help him find long term happiness and success? Rarely.

Follow Up / the Second Date
Let's say the meeting went great. They asked you questions. You asked them questions. You both got to know each other better, and you both are obviously excited and interested. What now?

Sure, some of us then immediately get married right away because it's true love at first sight and we sign contracts and ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after with flourishing careers.

For those of us who aren't Disney princesses, we have to follow up on the second date. If it's possible, I hate asking for the second date more than the first. I mean I THOUGHT we both had a good time. DID you have a good time? What should I talk about? When should I ask it?

Personally, I try to email a thank you to the agency within 3-4 days of the meeting, regardless of how it went. I add in a line about following up, giving clear timeframes they can expect to hear from me. Then, for those relationships I'm interested in growing, I also add them to my calendar to keep updated about my career (usually quarterly or bi-annually).

The key is to remember you're building relationships, not one night stands. Be open, be honest, be yourself, and keep in touch.

Wrap Up
Meeting with agents and managers can be a stressful, difficult task that no one really can teach you how to do well. But just like first dates, it can also be a fun, exciting activity filled with adventures and great stories. And who knows? You might just find that perfect match (probably with the ones you least expected).