A high level of energy and excitement fill the offices of Kazarian, Spencer and Associates.  Telephones ring off the hook, delivery men come and go agents move swiftly through the halls retrieving messages and packages from the reception area, while clients casually enter, eager to be a part of this incredible whirlwind of activities.

It is immediately obvious that despite this agency's highly respected reputation and unmistakable professionalism, there is a distinct feeling of warmth and comfort that embraces its clients.   A friendly atmosphere filled with support and love for the actor.

Cynthia Kazarian, enter the small conference room anxious to discuss the agent's role in this crazy business called "entertainment."  At first glance one might assume she is a client rather than the powerful force behind the agency.  Tall, statuesque and beautiful, this woman manages to balance strength and confidence with an essence of true sincerity and refreshing honesty.

Kazarian attributes her own rise to success to being at the right place at the right time.  Starting as a receptionist at the Wormser, Helfond and Joseph agency, she quickly moved up the executive ladder.  Within one year she was promoted to agent, along with Pam Spencer.  When Sandy Joseph and Brian Helfond, who had taken the agency over form Jack Wormser, made the decision to go into personal management they offered the agency to Kazarian, Spencer and Don Pitts.

Together, this team has successfully expanded the business to include eight departments including: theatrical, voice over, commercial/print, choreography /dance, game, shows, sports/stunts, equity and young talent.

Kazarian sits back and smiles, "I live, I breathe, I love this business," she says passionately.  She graciously shares the credit of the agency's success with her staff and clients.  "The success of an agency all depends on the talent of their clients and the staff that works with them," she explains.

"We're a different kind of agency.  We have a complete open door policy.  It's important for us to let our clients know we're here for them and make them feel as comfortable as possible," she adds.

Unlike many agents in the business, Kazarian and her staff take their clients to heart.  They guide and educate their actors, recommend classes actors can audit with reputable teachers, explain what the union can do for them as well as give advice on contemporary styles and fashions that are in demand.

"I'm bluntly honest with my clients.  That's just the way I am.  There's too much nonsense in this business and actors are often led down the wrong trails," she says.

She insists that new people just starting out be very careful.  "In this day and age in the 90's, there's still a lot of deceit in this business and a lot of pretty pictures are painted." she says.

Although Kazarian and Spencer find most of their clientele through referrals from casting directors, fellow clients or managers, they are willing to meet with new talent.

"We are always looking for that young, new face. We have hundreds of pictures that come through this office every week.  We've found some incredible talent through the mail," she says with excitement.

Kazarian explains, it is not just a certain look that interests them.  "We look for a personality.  I don't mean just a personality like, gosh I wouldn't mind going to the movies with this person.  I'm talking about a P-E-R-S-O-N-A-L-I-T-Y," she says stretching every syllable.  "Especially in the world of commercials.  It's mandatory," she adds.

For Kazarian, the process of interviewing a perspective client goes way beyond talent, a look or personality.  She also looks for passion and respect.

"For us, we have to have that bond with the client.  It's very important.  There has to be a mutual respect and we draw the line if there's not.  We're extremely thorough here.  We meet so many actors and we do drill them in a meeting.  We want to find out as much as we can about what they've been doing out there, who they know or don't know.  We emphasize to them that they must feel free to communicate with us," she says.

Honesty plays a very important part in Kazarian's choice of clients.  She laughs when she speaks about the most recognized fabrications of an actor, height and age.  She explains that these type of lies may work against them.  A man may often stretch the truth of his height, but for a car commercial, advertisers usually hire actors no taller than 5'11".

"If you're not honest with your agent you're going to miss out.  We tell clients, "we're going to be very honest and up front with you at all times and that better be the way you come to us," "she says, leaning across the table.

Kazarian stresses the importance of studying.  She strongly believes in actors taking classes with casting directors in order to hone their auditioning techniques. Casting Directors have their thumbs right on top of it, so they're the best ones to help actors know what auditioning is all about," she says. 

She also feels that studying with more than one acting coach will help the actor obtain a broader perspective of techniques ."The competition is so steep out there.  No matter what agency you're with, you're going to get trampled if you're not ready to compete," she says with conviction. Kazarian goes on to explain the significance of a good picture, an actor's business calling card.  Today, over 90 percent of submissions are done with pictures and if that picture doesn't jump out at a casting director, she says, you lose out."We're very strict about our pictures.   The importance of them cannot be stressed enough.  The most important thing is the eyes.  The eyes have got to talk to you and that smile has to be real.  Your picture has to look like you, easy on the make-up, easy on the hair, but it should not look like your driver's license," she laughs.

When asked what her advice would be to an actor, Kazarian take a moment to find just the right words.  She replies with passion in her eyes, "have a lot of faith and confidence in yourself.  Know that you can do it, but it's not easy and you've got to work at it.  There are a lot of ups and downs, a lot of tears and heart breaks, but it's really a magical business.  There's no other like it.  It has to be a strong dream and dreams come true, we all know that.  Just believe in yourself and go forward."