Enjoy The Journey: Tips For Agent Showcase

We all have moments in life where the pressure rises and appears unbearable. Our world suddenly revolves around one thing. Every decision is life and death when, in reality, that is not the case. More often than not, these situations arise in educational institutions: GCSEs, A-Levels, and dissertations being the traditional pressure points people are familiar with. In a drama school, however, the student “freak out” occurs during Showcase season.

Each year, around this time, burgeoning musical theatre performers, dancers, and actors in their final year gear up to put on a show, often in a highly-touted London venue, all in the hopes of getting an agent to kick-start their careers post-drama school. More than the actual qualification itself, it’s the agent these students seek, and that is the barometer for success during their drama school tenure. Although the ambition to get an agent is healthy, the pressure often put on this one event is not. There is so much to embrace about this special moment for these students, yet it all gets lost in the chaos surrounding it. “I just went on and had so much fun” were words uttered by a 2024 MT graduate, and they’re words we hope more students can proudly say this year.

In order for students to hopefully achieve the “fun,” we’ve recruited the services of a group of 2024 graduates, all sharing their biggest takeaways and advice for future Showcase performers. Enjoy, and we hope it helps.  

“PLAY!!”

“The closer the character is to you as a person, the better! You don’t need to make people laugh or cry; it’s less about the content of the scene and more about your authenticity within the role. Choose one you enjoy!!! Showcase was one of my favourite moments of drama school because I got to do a duologue I loved on an incredible stage! PLAY!! Do not try and plan or recreate great things you’ve found in rehearsals, as it will take you out of the moment - which is just advice for acting in general!”

-       Andi Bickers (2024 Acting Graduate)

“Focus on You”

“The one thing I remember from Showcase was feeling very scared of performing and physically being on the stage. The only way to combat this was by telling myself that it's just a different space to the one you're used to performing in. The stage is still just a floor at the end of the day. Don't make it out to be this big scary thing when, really, it's just a different playing space.

“Focus on you. There can be a lot of different opinions and unnecessary drama. Students can also project their own worries and concerns during Showcase season. Therefore, I cannot stress enough how important it is to focus on yourself and your performance. Do your best not to get swept up in worrying about what other people are doing and what they are producing. Yes, there is no “I” in "team," and you must work as an ensemble at times. However, if you do your best work and ignore the gossip, noise, etc., you will stand out for the RIGHT reasons.”

-       Kay de Barra (2024 Musical Theatre Graduate)

“It’s Important to Remind Ourselves Just How Far We’ve Come”

On the day:

“You want this to be you ‘on your best day’. Therefore, treat yourself. It’s going to be a long day, so have a hearty breakfast that will keep you going. It can be hard to eat with nerves, so if not, at least keep snacks and water with you. Whatever you’re feeling on the day - if you can’t shake it off, use it.

“I remember watching an interview years ago of the late Gavin Creel talking about when he played Elder Price in Book of Mormon on the West End. Each night, during his big solo song in Act 2, he would take a second to himself, to just look out at the audience. It was a second to remind him, ‘Wow! I did it’, and I always try and do that myself. It’s important to remind ourselves just how far we’ve come and that every past version of ourselves would kill to be here right now.”

After:

“The bit everyone worries about... networking. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. The foyer gets very crowded and overwhelming; there can be queues to speak to some agents. If they want to speak to you, they will, whether that's in person or email. There is also no harm in reaching out to personally thank them. 

“London, Woking, etc., are very far away for some people's families. Coming down from the performance high - to having no one there can make it very hard to watch your peers be whisked off by parents. Therefore, do something to celebrate yourself! It can be big or small, but I think it's important to have a plan to take pressure off yourself on the day.”

-       Niamh Mannix (2024 Acting Graduate)

“Don’t Stress Yourself About Networking”

“Find material that you know you can do well and easily. Showcase isn’t the place to push yourself; it’s the place to show that you’re good at what you do. I would also say don’t stress yourself about networking at the bar afterward. I’m naturally an introvert, so making conversation with strangers in a crowded room sounds like hell to me. They make it out to be like it’s the only way someone will sign you, and that is simply not true. Most agents, casting directors, etc., will leave after the show and email you if they’re interested. Finally, just enjoy it! It’s your time on a West End stage. Remember why you’re doing this, and just do it for yourself! Don’t aim to please others.”

-       Rafe Slade (2024 Acting Graduate)

“Getting An Agent Isn’t The Be-all and End-all”

“Getting an agent isn’t the be-all and end-all. Focus on the experience and knowledge you’re gaining performing on a West End stage rather than a desired outcome. Find material you know you can do on a bad day because you wanna feel as comfortable as you can on stage, especially when nerves kick in. I would say enjoy the buzz more with your friends post-show because, yes, it’s so awkward for us actors to try and chat with agents, but it’s just as awkward for agents. And ultimately, if they want to talk to you, they will. Don’t try and be someone you’re not in the room when networking; otherwise you’ll just be selling a different version of yourself. Just be you - that’s what got you to where you are now.”

-       Lydia Grace (2024 Acting Graduate)

“Go Out There, Be Yourself, Just Have Fun”

“Don’t put too much pressure on it, and I know that’s easier said than done because you’re literally performing so you can get an agent, get a job, and try to get a career out of the thing you love to do. But if you remind yourself that it’s a normal show and that these people are coming to watch, I think it takes the pressure off - being what it needs to be. Also, I remember many people came out of it thinking, “Oh, I did it so much better in rehearsal,” that’s okay, but you still did an amazing job.  

“Showcase is not the be-all and end-all of your career. So many things can happen at a Showcase – your costume might fall off, the mikes might not work – there are so many factors, so it’s best not to over think it. Go out there, be yourself, just have fun, enjoy it because it may be the only chance you get to perform on a West End stage.”

-       Hattie Davies (2024 Musical Theatre Graduate)

“Make The Younger Version of Yourself Proud”

“Agent Showcase is one of the most eagerly awaited milestones for every drama school student. Whether you’re in your first, second, or third year, it’s an exciting but sometimes daunting experience to prepare for. It’s the first time you may feel the pressure to present both - the most unique version of yourself and the most versatile performer - all that - in front of top talent agents. This can feel particularly challenging after 2-3 years of rigorous training, where individuality isn’t always prioritised. 

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from it, it’s to take that pressure off yourself. If you truly enjoy performing, there’s no doubt the audience will feel that energy, too. The key is to have fun on stage because when you’re 100% immersed in your performance, no one can deny your presence—that will ultimately show you off. And to be completely honest, if you don’t feel you can do that, my biggest piece of advice would be to fake it until you make it. It sounds cliché, but sometimes it simply does work wonders.

“Dive into your material, play with it, engage with your cast mates if you have any on stage alongside you, and allow yourself to be completely absorbed by the work. This starts with knowing your material inside out. Do the groundwork, the “boring” prep, so you can fully let go and commit to the performance stress-free.

“Getting to perform on a London stage before even graduating is the most incredible experience, and the Showcase will likely become one of your most cherished memories. I know it was and still is for me! Walking out of that theatre, you’ll likely feel a shift in how you see yourself as a performer. You’ll think, “Wow, I did that.” So do it for yourself, not anyone else. Make the younger version of yourself proud, and the rewards will follow. Trust the process and don’t compare yourself to others: there is only one of you, which is your best asset for representation - remember that!”

-       Dana Rogers (2024 Musical Theatre Graduate)

All the best for your Showcase! :)