How to Get an Acting Agent: What Agents Do and How to Find One

A good agent can transform an acting career. They hear about auditions you would never find on your own, get you seen by casting directors and negotiate better deals than most actors could alone. But agents are also widely misunderstood. They don’t create careers out of nothing, and signing with the wrong one can be worse than having none.

Here is how acting agents work, when to look for one and how to find the right fit.

What an acting agent does

• Submits you for roles. Agents receive casting breakdowns, many of which never appear publicly, and put forward clients who fit.
• Pitches you. Good agents call casting directors directly to push for you to be seen.
• Negotiates contracts. Fees, billing, schedules, usage rights and other terms.
• Advises on your career. Which roles to pursue, what training to take, when to update headshots and how to build your profile.
• Handles logistics. Audition scheduling, availability checks and paperwork.

Agents are usually paid a commission on your acting earnings, typically somewhere between 10 and 25 percent depending on the country, the type of work and the agency. Reputable agents earn money when you do.

Agents versus managers

In some markets, especially the US, actors may have both an agent and a manager. Agents focus on finding and negotiating work; managers take a broader, long-term view of your career and may help you find an agent. In many countries, actors only have an agent. You don’t need both, particularly early on.

Types of agencies

• Full-service agencies represent actors across film, TV, theatre and commercials.
• Boutique agencies have small client lists and often give more personal attention.
• Commercial agencies focus on adverts.
• Voiceover agencies specialise in voice work.
• Co-operative agencies, found in some countries, are run by the actors themselves, who share agency duties.
• Children’s and youth agencies represent young performers.

When to look for an agent

Agents take on actors they think they can sell. You are usually ready to approach agencies when you have:

• Solid training, whether drama school, regular classes or both
• Some credits, such as fringe theatre, student or independent films
• Professional headshots that look like you
• A showreel with good-quality footage, even if it’s short
• A clear sense of your casting type
• An up-to-date, honest acting CV

Drama school graduates often find agents through showcases. Others find representation after being seen in a production, through a recommendation or by approaching agencies directly.

How to find the right agent

Research

Look at agency websites and client lists. Do they represent actors similar to you in age, type and experience? An agency full of actors just like you may not need another; one with no one like you may not have the right contacts.

Get recommendations

Ask actors you trust who they’re with and how they find it. A personal referral is one of the most effective ways to get an agent’s attention.

Approach professionally

Follow each agency’s submission guidelines. Send a short, personalised email with your headshot, CV and showreel link. Explain briefly why you’re approaching them. Invite them to see you in any upcoming production.

Meet before you sign

If an agent is interested, they’ll usually meet you, and may ask you to perform a monologue or scene. Use the meeting to interview them too:

• How many clients do they represent?
• How do they see you being cast?
• How often will they submit you, and how do they communicate?
• What commission do they take, and on which types of work?
• What is the contract term and notice period?

Red flags

• Upfront fees for representation, registration or “admin.” Reputable agents earn commission on work, not fees from actors.
• Pressure to buy services, such as expensive headshots or classes from a specific provider.
• Guarantees of work or fame.
• Vague contracts or refusal to put terms in writing.
• No verifiable clients or credits.

Check whether the agency belongs to a professional association or is licensed where that’s required. Actors’ unions can often advise on standard terms.

Making the relationship work

Signing with an agent isn’t the end of your effort. It’s the beginning of a partnership.

• Keep your materials current: headshots, showreel and CV.
• Be reliable: respond quickly, confirm auditions and always prepare thoroughly.
• Keep your agent informed about availability, new skills and projects you’re doing.
• Keep creating your own opportunities, through classes, theatre and self-generated work.
• Communicate honestly. If things aren’t working, have a conversation before deciding to leave.

If you don’t have an agent yet

Many actors build early careers without one. Self-submit to suitable projects through reputable casting platforms and open calls. Our weekly open casting calls roundup is a good place to start. Keep training, build your credits and showreel, and approach agents again when you have more to show.

Final thoughts

An agent is a powerful ally, but not a shortcut. Build your skills and materials first, research carefully, avoid anyone who asks for money upfront, and treat your agent as a partner. For more on how decisions get made, read our guide to how casting works.