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Acting , Acting Advice , Finding an Agent

How to Find an Acting Agent When You’re Starting Out


August 15, 2024

Finding an agent can seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re just starting in the entertainment industry. Young actors are flooded with conflicting advice on how to get an agent without experience, and sorting through it all on your own can feel impossible.

If you’re feeling intimidated, it’s good to take a step back and remember that finding a talent agent doesn’t have to be stressful. This is an exciting step in your acting career. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you’re looking for the right fit.

Define Your Goals When Looking for Talent Agencies

Different agents handle different things. It’s important to know how you want to be represented going in. Do you want to do film and television acting, voiceover or a combination of both? Does a commercial agent sound like a good idea to you or do you prefer a theatrical agent? Can you work as a local hire in multiple cities?

Knowing what you want will help you find the right fit. The better you know yourself (what’s your type, what training and experience do you have), the better you’ll be able to represent yourself in an interview with a potential agent.

Research Agencies Before You Submit Yourself

Before submitting, and certainly before signing, be sure to compile a list of agencies and thoroughly vet any potential agent’s history. Looking at their roster can help give you an idea of what types they represent. If they’re already overloaded with actors who match your type, you may not get as much focus.

If you recognize local actors on their rosters as people who are booking consistently, that’s a good sign. If you’re able, reach out to anyone you might know and get a first-hand account of their experience.

When it’s time to start knocking on doors, be sure to check the agency’s submission guidelines (don’t cold email unless it says to). Depending on what they need from actors they’d like to represent, Each agency will ask for different things.

Once you’re ready to submit yourself for agency representation, be sure you have all your items and information up to date. Industry professionals want to represent professional actors, so be respectful when it’s time to meet with them to see if you’re a fit for their roster.

Should You Pursue Big Acting Agents or Small Agents?

It’s very tempting to go straight for the biggest names in the city because they have the recognition and connections. However, when you’re just starting, it can be easy to slip through the cracks. Consider if a smaller boutique acting agency might be a good first step. There are advantages to a more personal touch in the beginning.

Look Out for Red Flags When Reviewing Agency Contracts

There are scams aplenty in the acting industry, and being forewarned is being forearmed. Classic red flags from bad agencies and scammers are asking you for money upfront, insisting you use a lot of “in-house” services (professional headshots, for example) or paying the agency to access their casting calls.

Knowing industry standards for percentages can also help direct you toward legitimate agents while keeping you away from scammers. If they’re asking for more than 20% on union gigs and 10% on non-union gigs, it’s worth a second look. Trust your gut and get a second pair of eyes on any contract before you sign.

Come Prepared When Submitting Yourself to an Agent

Remember that you are the other half of the team, and you have to pull your weight. Before submitting to an agent, you should have professional headshots and acting resumes updated, with hard copies on hand and anything else you might have (reel, website, etc.) easily accessible. Be ready to talk about the kind of roles you’re best suited for and the kind of representation you’re looking for. Remember, first impressions mean a lot, especially in the entertainment industry.

References Go a Long Way

Submitting blindly through an agent’s website is a toss-up as to whether or not you’ll get seen, especially in a saturated market (LA, Atlanta, New York, etc.). Having a connection with someone on an agent’s talent roster who can recommend you can help, but that can be hard for new actors.

If you’re new to a market, start by making connections with the local acting community. Take workshops and acting classes, and go to meet-and-greets or other industry events where agents, casting directors or other industry professionals might be so they can see your face.

If you need to bulk up your resume with acting credits, find out if there are any student films in your area that need professional actors for their projects (you also don’t know who the students might become).

Try organizing meetup groups with your fellow actors, even if you’re not doing any acting! Attend film festivals and see if you can do some networking there. The more involved you are in your community, the better you’ll be able to get a read on which agencies might be taking on new people.

Nothing is Set in Stone

Remember, signing with an agent is not a life sentence. You want to honor your contracts, but if you’re finding that your agency isn’t the right fit, you don’t have to stay with them.

There are plenty of industry professionals out there that you’ll gel with. Find a reputable agent who communicates well, knows your work and how to market you, and can get you in the doors you need. You want to feel like a team.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t sign with your dream agent right away. This is just one step in the actor’s journey, and chances are you will revisit it time and again. Be patient, stay safe and advocate for your needs. If you need help deciding which reputable agent works for you, ask your actor friends for advice.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to opt into Casting Networks’ Talent Scout® feature, where Premium members can get connected with agents and managers to help advance their careers

Are you looking for representation? Sign up or log in to Casting Networks and opt in to Talent Scout today!

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