For musical theater performers Kate Moore and Tim Wessel, Backstage University offers an opportunity to meet the industry, practice their craft, and more; in fact, both signed with Zane Gerson of Daniel Hoff Agency after meeting him at a BU seminar! We chatted with Moore and Wessel about some challenges they’ve faced finding representation in NYC, the benefits of having an agent they jive with, and how they get the most out of Backstage University.
On looking for representation.
Moore and Wessel agree that looking for an agent is a daunting task. The “sheer numbers,” says Moore, pose a huge challenge for performers. “It’s hard to really showcase yourself to an agency if you’re having trouble standing out from the crowd. Most of the agencies in this city probably get piles and piles of submissions. That’s why I really think agent seminars and classes are the way to go. They have no choice but to look at you and listen!”
Wessel’s biggest challenge? “Just getting my foot in the door. My school didn’t put on a senior showcase, and it seemed like all of the other opportunities to meet agents were expensive—or only offered to performers with more experience. When I found out about Backstage University, I immediately signed up for four or five classes where I could meet agents and casting directors, and the very first agent I met was a great fit for me.”
On working with an agent.
Both Moore and Wessel signed with Daniel Hoff Agency after meeting agent Zane Gerson in a Backstage University seminar. According to Moore, one of the best things about working with Zane is “gaining access to auditions that you might not have even known were being held. Having an agent to fight for a time slot is the only way to go about getting seen.”
Wessel adds, “The biggest benefit of working with an agent is probably being able to show up at an audition at an appointed time and not have to wait in line all morning with no guarantee of getting seen. Since I started working with Zane, the way I audition has totally changed. He got me several appointments for auditions that I may not have even been able to audition for otherwise.”
On why they choose Backstage University.
Both actors had positive things to say about BU’s classes. Says Moore, “Zane was one of the first classes that I took, and the environment of his session—along with how organized the Backstage staff was—made for an awesome experience. As participants we all had equal opportunity to present ourselves to Zane, to ask questions, and to feel that the class was completely worthwhile and helpful.”
Are we blushing yet? Wessel goes on “My experience taking classes at Backstage University has been nothing but positive. My first class was with CD Michael Cassara, and it was really helpful to get feedback on my audition performance. The next Backstage University class I took was with Zane, and I signed with Daniel Hoff Agency a few days later.”
And what they’re doing next.
Both performers have had great success in the recent months, and have several exciting projects coming up. Moore will be performing in the Big Apple this summer as part of a developmental reading at NYMF. “The show is called ‘The Runaway Clone,’ written by Pam Eberhardt and Jonathan Brenner, and directed by Joe Barros. It’s a limited engagement, hilarious sci-fi satire musical. Come check it out in July!”
Wessel, on the other hand, is packing his bags. “Thanks to an audition that Zane got for me, I’m really excited to say that I'm going out on my first national tour—‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’—as a Brother, understudying Joseph and Simeon.”
Congratulations to both actors, from all of us at Backstage University.
Do you have a success story to share? Let us know!
And read more about Backstage University here!