Network Showcases and Casting Projects

Network Showcases and Casting Projects. Is this something that really opens the doors for us? Or is this something that just looks good on paper. I have been trying to get into the DGA Training Program and it has been a task, but when you look at the list of names of students. I got the feeingl if you don't have that right last name your chances of getting in are small. So now I've been trying to get an agent for a long time and I've been a part of AFTRA for a few years. So I say are they really looking for us or does it just sound good on paper. I'm not sure , But I would like to be a part of the showcases and casting projects. So tell me what I need to do.