Here’s a question that we received a few days ago: “Please send me info on Voice Registry I would appreciate any guidance on how to find the reputable agencies and avoid the shady ones.”

Even though we work with many Union and Non-Union Agencies, we do not know the inner workings of how they conduct business with their Actors. Voicebank.net has many of the top-rated Agencies on their roster; there’s an excellent chance that you won’t go wrong with any of them.

A good way to determine an Agency’s reputation is to talk to the Actors they represent. Many have websites with direct contact info. You can email a quick note and ask them their opinion – hopefully you’ll get a response. Actor blogs are also a good place to ask these questions. Contact Casting Directors; they work with Agents on a daily basis. Acting Coaches have relationships with Agents and can certainly guide you towards the ones they work with, recommend and trust. You can also check any of the consumer rating agencies like the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve been listed favorably or negatively.

Your fellow Actor is the best source of info but remember that people leave Agents for many reasons; it doesn’t mean that they’re shady or dishonest. Personality differences can cause problems. When you pose the question, make sure you’re clear. Talk to as many people as possible. One Actor may tell you a horrific story while another may praise the same Agent/Agency. The more info you gather, the more accurate the picture.

And remember: you can always leave if you discover things about them you don’t like. It’s your choice.

- Stewart Wilson-Turner