Why does an actor need an agent

You will need self-motivation to search for and apply to casting calls by yourself, as well as network and build up a reputation within the industry. There are very successful theatremakers who create their own work and do not have an Agent. Often, if you get a job and do really well, a company can recommend you to another and this will enable you to continue working and build up your own contacts. Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here.

You can list your training, outreach or funding opportunities for free and within minutes. Get Into Theatre is the essential website to help you find all the information and opportunities you need to pursue a successful career in theatre.

Open menu. Open search. Log in. Get started. Your search terms…. It is probably fair to say that your relationship with a manager is a more personal one. Another important distinction between agent and manager is that an acting agent is employed by a talent agency with you as their client, whereas a manager is employed by you directly often receiving a more generous cut.

That being said, the line between agent and manager is becoming increasingly blurred and agents are more frequently dealing with management as the use of managers becomes more commonplace. Arguably the most important part of being an acting agent is building relationships.

Acting agents need to stay visible on the social scene, but its not all hanging around at celebrity hot spots; they need to get themselves invited to the events and parties attended by decision and taste makers in the entertainment industry like talent scouts, casting directors, writers, producers and journalists. You now know what they do in a technical sense, but what kind of person is an acting agent?

A talent agent can be great for someone else, but really bad for you, or vice versa. Even if a talent agent represents a well-known actor, they may not be well suited for you. It is important to find someone you can easily relate to, who you feel understands your goals and perspectives, and who is easy to reach when necessary. This is, after all, their career, as well as yours.

Talent agents work hard for your career behind the scenes, but are in an equally competitive profession. Know that their position of getting you in the door for an audition can be as challenging as it is for you to get auditions and land a role.

A certain percentage of talent agents wanted to be actors, but were missing either the guts or the talent to pursue their career. Many talent agent have been in your position of wanting a successful acting career, but for some reason became agents instead — not all of them, mind you, but some.

Although for some of these agents, representing actors may not have been their first career choice, but they may have found they were better at that than acting. However, their acting experience will also give them first-hand knowledge of the amount of talent and energy it takes to create a successful acting career.

If you learn that they had wanted to be actors before, try to see the bright side of it. Talent agents hate it when actors are difficult to deal with — you may be difficult for them and not even realize it. Keep an open line of communication with your agent and find out their specific expectations. Use basic common sense to make yourself seem easy to work with. For example, be on time and never miss an audition! This drives agents batty and some have rules that they will drop you if you miss two auditions.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Acting Industry. Related Posts. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Notify me of follow-up comments by email.