58 - MSA Agent: Megan Hunt: Turning Talent into Career Gold

Episode Summary:

Megan, a Senior Talent Agent at McDonald Selznick Associates (MSA), to explore the world of dance representation. Megan shares her unique journey from being a dancer to becoming an agent and provides invaluable insights into what makes a successful client in the dance industry. She discusses the qualities MSA looks for in dancers, such as professionalism, strong communication, and the ability to respond quickly to opportunities.

Megan highlights the importance of keeping your casting materials up-to-date, including headshots, resumes, and performance clips, and provides advice on how dancers can stand out when submitting to agencies. She also touches on the expanding role of social media and personal branding, explaining that while it's not crucial to be an influencer, having a professional presence is key.

In addition, Megan talks about the various trends in the dance industry, including the growing embrace of diversity and the rise of specialty skills like roller skating. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and finding the right team to support individual goals in the dance world. Whether you're aspiring to sign with an agency or grow your career, this episode is packed with valuable tips.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Introduction to Megan, Senior Talent Agent at MSA

• (3:00) Megan's Journey from Dancer to Talent Agent

• (7:45) Overview of MSA and its Expansion into Different Departments

• (12:30) What Makes an Ideal Client for MSA

• (16:20) The Importance of Communication and Professionalism in Dance Careers

• (20:45) How Dancers Can Submit to MSA: Materials and Process

• (24:15) The Role of Social Media and Personal Branding in Dance Careers

• (28:50) Trends in the Dance Industry: Embracing Diversity and Specialty Skills

• (35:00) Building Long-Term Careers: Transitioning from Dancing to Choreography and Creative Roles

• (40:30) The Impact of Special Skills on Dance Careers

• (44:15) Q&A Session with Mentees: Submitting to Agencies, Getting Noticed by Choreographers

• (50:00) Final Thoughts on Developing Your Dance Career and Finding the Right Team

Biography:

Megan Hunt is a Senior Talent Agent at McDonald Selznick Associates (MSA), bringing a wealth of experience from her work in both Los Angeles and New York’s entertainment industries. With a background that includes a position as Junior Agent in MSA's Education Department, Megan has built a successful career by fostering relationships and connecting talent with opportunity. She also co-hosted The Hollywood Dance Podcast alongside Tony Selznick, a co-founder of MSA and a legendary figure in the Hollywood dance community.

Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges with creative solutions, Megan excels in management, production, public speaking, and client relations. Her passion for understanding people’s goals and collaborating to create meaningful projects is central to her work. A graduate with honors from Portland State University, she continued her education at The School for Radio & TV Broadcast in Orange County, California.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/megnhunt

https://www.facebook.com/megan.hunt.58

Website

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