[Reader Question] I just want to know what agencies there are for women 250 pounds and larger?  I'm 359 pounds and 22 years old.  I see pictures of women who are big like me on the Internet, magazines and television. How do I apply?

[Larissa] I actually have some friends who do what you are talking about. These friends of mine are actresses who do commercials and commercial print. Even when I go to casting calls for ads, like diet drugs, all the people who are called in are over 200 lbs. and all are professional actors. There is no agency that I know of who caters to people over 250 lbs., but most agencies have divisions that utilize character actors. However, there are agencies that are dedicated to talent that has a "real people" look or novelty characters. Most movie production companies contact these agencies for background work on movie sets. Also, advertisers deal with those types of agencies when they are looking for a commercial campaign.

As I have written before...please research agencies in your area. Look for print, commercial, or talent agencies. Write a cover letter and attach a few snapshots. Find out if these companies ever have open calls to see talent. Take an acting class...you'd be surprised at what you'll find out about the business. Also, some of the best models I work with are actors or have studied acting. It only makes you better in front of the camera and helps you be comfortable at casting calls (instead of being a nervous wreck). The plus-size models I personally know (that are working all the time in NYC) go out to TV commercial auditions and commercial print casting calls...not just fashion go-sees.