Montclair State University students from the Public Relations Student Society of America, (PRSSA) and Lambda Pi Eta are teaming together to bring forth an impactful event to remember. The Gersh Agency event. On Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Montclair State University is fortunate enough to be hosting not one, but three of Gersh’s most talented agents. The informational session is free for all current, and previous students, as well as alumni, and faculty members. The informational session will be held at Montclair State University’s University Hall Room 1070 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This session will prove to be invaluable to those interested in being an agent, as well as individuals seeking an agent for their future endeavors. This informational session will give an insight into the minds of three diverse and brilliantly talented agents. Booking, and public speaking agent Rachel Zeidman, literacy agent Allison Cohen, and theatre agent Leah Hamon will all be attending the event and speaking about their multitude of experiences. In addition, there will be an open forum concluding the event, which will allow the participants to get a rare inside-look on the agent’s personal experiences.
The Gersh Agency hosts a spectacular array of talent such as Kelli O’Hara, Garfunkel & Oates, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Schilling, Colleen Ballinger aka Miranda Sings, and Drew Carey to name a few. Gersh was established in 1949 by Phil Gersh and has transformed into one of five of the most famous and sought after talent agencies in the world. Gersh focuses on the entertainment industry and specializes in a multitude of fields such as comedy, writing, theatre, and public appearances.
Rachel Zeidman specializes in booking and public appearances. She has worked alongside stars such as Jamie Fox and Dave Chapelle, Taylor Schilling and Yael Stone. One of her clients is from the hit series "Orange is the New Black," as well as Tony nominated actresses and previous Autism New Jersey performers, Stephanie J. Block and Laura Benanti. Rachel Zeidman specializes in Broadway stars and renowned speakers. Rachel Ziedman graduated with honors from Boston University’s College of Communication with a degree in Film and Television. She was also a part of The William Moriss Agency’s Agent Trainee Program. Rachel Ziedman would be the ideal agent for any individual who aspires towards a career in film, television, books, comedy, or theatre. Theatre majors in particular should especially make an effort to get to know the talented Rachel Ziedman.
Allison Cohen the literacy agent hones writers such as Pulitzer Prize finalist, Lee Martin, Edgar Award Winner, Naomi Hirahara, and actress and author, Amanda Peet. Cohen’s client list goes beyond that however, and delves into the world of journalists, award-winning novelists, sports figures, television/film actors, chefs, illustrators, and comedians. Allison Cohen always has her eyes peeled for incoming writers with a strong voice. She is interested in authors from all genres; from picture, and Young Adult to commercial adult fiction, and non-fiction.
It is imperative that aspiring writers meet one-on-one with the ever-literary Allison Cohen.
Leah Hamos is the theater agent at Gersh. Hamos’ clients include winner of the Kleban Prize and Jonathan Larson Award, composer Sam Willmott, director Matt Lenz, playwright Taylor Mac, and book writer/playwright Marc Acito. In prior years, Hamos interned at the Lark Play Development Center and the New York Theater Workshop. Her experience as an intern led her to meet literary agents from Abrams Artists Agency. Soon after, she began to work for them as an assistant and became a junior agent. The introductory field led her to earn the opportunity to become a theater agent at Gersh. Leah Hamos would be the ideal agent to meet for theatre majors and those interested in various fields of the theatre world such as playwriting, directing, acting, and writing.
All three of these brilliant women bring something very special to Gersh, and we at Montclair State University are very fortunate to be holding this informational session. All individuals interested in the entertainment business should take advantage of this great opportunity and attend this invaluable event.
