Summarize this article in one sentence.
Agencies are typically regulated by the state economy and need to kick back a certain percentage (usually 10%) of their income to the state. There are many people claiming to represent talent who lack this and seek to exploit inexperienced actors who don't know their way around the business. To check the registration of a particular agency in California, visit the Department of Industrial Relations website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/dlselr/talag.html Colleges will typically advertise the teacher-to-student ratio, meaning that a good school will supposedly have fewer students per teacher, resulting in more face time and contact. You're looking for the same thing with an agent. An overworked, overbooked agent from a big agency who decides to take you on might end up being less valuable than a more devoted agent with fewer clients from a smaller agency. Your relationship with your agent is a real interpersonal relationship, not just a work relationship. You need to pick someone who you can get along with and openly discuss your plans and ambitions with. An agent you're intimidated by or one who doesn't really believe in your talents won't be the best career choice in the long run. In your first few meetings, discuss your plans for yourself. Ask the agent what they see in you and where they think you might go. Seeing if your plans match up will be a good way to judge the workability of the relationship. If you've got a dysfunctional relationship with an agent who is misrepresenting you or representing you lazily, you need to find a new one. Be patient and don't expect much too soon, but if your agent is purposefully blowing you off or you feel like you're being taken advantage of, make the break. Many young actors are scared to try for new representation for fear of losing the stability of the old relationship. "Even if I'm not working," says the young actor, "at least I have an agent." But an agent who isn't getting you parts might as well not exist. If the relationship isn't working out like you want it to, you have to take the initiative to find a new one.
Make sure your agency is licensed and franchised. Find out how many other clients your agent represents. Make sure you get along as people. Don't be afraid to make the break.