Dr. Diane Howard
Talent agencies in Texas need to be licensed. In Texas the Web site for licensing and regulation is http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm. Click on Licensing, indicate talent agencies, then a
list of licensed agents will appear. Agents in Texas can not require you to pay for their services
(classes, workshops, seminars, headshots etc.) Although booking agents sometimes have other businesses,
which offer services you may choose to use.
There are different types of agents, such as theatrical (acting), print (modeling), and promotional
($20 an hour giving out samples at the mall...) It is possible to have contracts with more than one agent in a
city, as long as the representation does not conflict. In smaller markets, one agent might represent you exclusively for everything. Some contracts even have built in Manager clauses that state the agency represents exclusively across the state. Be sure to check your contract and conflicts, before signing. Make sure you understand to what you are exactly agreeing (terms of the agreement, 1-5 years etc.)