How to Get and Keep an Agent or a Manager

So a very common question I am asked by parents and young actors is how do I get an agent or manager. Now, most of the time they aren’t even sure of the roles they play so I’d like to start with that.

WHAT IS AN AGENT?

Basically, a talent agent in New York or California is licensed by the state and their job is to solicit employment for their clients. Kind of like a temp agency if you will. They are franchised by the union and are generally limited to taking a 10% commission on money earned from employment. Agents can have a small or large number of clients. Their job is to get an actor into an audition and secure a job as well as negotiate contracts to get the most money they can for their clients. They normally sign a client to a one year contract. Some states are called “right to work” states and those agents will not have a union affiliation and they can take more than 10% if they desire so you’re going to want to make sure that you are clear about that.

WHAT IS A MANAGER?

A manager sees the big picture while cultivating a career. They develop talent.

Managers counsel, advise and provide career direction and guidance. They generally have fewer clients than an agent, which enables them to give more personalized attention to their clients such as working on your image, making sure you are audition and camera ready, finding classes for you, pitching you to agencies and producers, recommending photographers, and believing in you when nobody else does. They are in it for the long haul. They are INVESTING in your career. Managers take anywhere from a 10 to 20% commission. They are not bound by a union so they can do this. They usually sign a client to a three-year contract. I know that sounds like a lot, but it really takes a long time to develop and cultivate a career.  A benefit to working with a manager is that while a client is signed with them, they can freelance with several agents, and then have access to more auditions. An actor can also have a manager and work exclusively with one agent.

HOW DO I GET AN AGENT OR MANAGER?

Now that you know some differences between an agent or a manager I’m sure you want to know how to get one.

Agents and managers are always there. They’re the next step to moving a career forward but MAKE SURE  your child is ready.

Once you believe your child is ready for the next step, here are some ways to find the right match. It is always best to be seen in action.

1. Agents and managers love to frequent theatrical productions, as they are always on the hunt for new talent. If your child is serious about acting professionally, make sure he is involved in school plays, community theater, camp plays, and even regional theater. Reps are always looking for a child who has potential and they love to visit productions.

2. Industry showcases are the perfect opportunity for young performers to gain industry attention. This is an event in which agents, managers, and casting directors watch actors perform exclusively for them. Actors perform scenes, monologues, songs, commercial copy- whatever they excel in. If a rep responds to the actor, they will arrange a meeting and possibly sign on a new client. Even if your child doesn’t sign with an agent or manager, they might keep their name on file to be seen again in the future.

3. Another great way: workshops and classes. Many acting workshops and classes will culminate with an informal performance for an agent or manager. Now these are generally for educational purposes where your child will practice in audition-like settings. However, if an agent or manager sees promise in a performer, they might ask for their name and set up an interview. I know the classes I hold always culminate, especially at the end of the year, for reps because I think it is one of the great ways for actors to be seen while they’re doing great work.

4. Old-fashioned mailings. Well it actually still exists. Make sure you have a great photo that looks like your child and a résumé which details your child’s experience and training. Get a list of agents and managers who work with young performers. You can do that through CallSheet which is published by Backstage Magazine. And once you get the names you can send a hard copy to them with a short cover letter. Make sure you read how they like to be contacted. If they have an address, you can send a picture and resume. If they list an email, you might be able to send it digitally.

5. Now hopefully your child has an acting or voice teacher or coach. And one of the best ways is for that teacher to refer your child to the rep. I never pass up an opportunity to send one of my students to one of my colleagues when I believe they are ready to work. Since they have been vetted by me, my colleague, the rep, is much more inclined to respond. I have introduced many of my students to both agents and managers and I will tell you they continue to have really wonderful and incredibly successful careers.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR REP

I recently got a call from a parent asking my advice on whether she should call her daughter’s agent about an upcoming audition. I was curious why she was asking me and when I asked her that she said she was afraid to ask the agent because she didn't want him to drop her daughter. Now that’s crazy. Because if she’s afraid to ask the agent, she is probably with the wrong agent. We talked about how to get an agent or manager but if you want to foster a good relationship with them and make sure the relationship lasts, which is no different than dating by the way, you really need to have a good relationship. 

What is a good relationship? Well, one that is open and honest, learning how to communicate. How does one like to be communicated with. Finding that out from the get-go. Be prepared. Right? The child has to be ready, and not be overloaded during the week. Being available for auditions. Not turning auditions down. Always have your phone available, responding to your emails. Bening right on top of it. Be prepared. This is a very fast business. 

Know when to leave your agent or manager alone. They’re not just working for you, they’ve got other clients. And they are also working for you even though you don’t know they are working for you. 

They are trying to get your child work! So know when to leave them alone.

And most of all, be a good team player. If you do your part, they will do their part.

QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL REPRESENTATION

So now you are lucky enough to take some meetings with agents or managers and you may want to know some good questions to ask when meeting with them. Well, I guess for either one of the questions is how many clients do you have.

1. You want to know if there is a small amount or a large amount?

2. Do they have more than a few of the same type?

3. How often should you communicate with them? How should you communicate with them? By email? Telephone? Just popping by…which I don’t recommend.

4. How often should you update your child’s resumes and photos? Are the contracts negotiable?

5. Can you take a three-year management agreement and negotiate it down to one or two?

6. A great question is if you find work on your own for your child, do they take a commission on that.

7. For a manager, you might want to find out which agencies they work with and when they will be introducing your child to an agent. Will you be looking for agencies on your own or are they going to provide that service?

8. Can you submit your child for a project on your own? 

Regardless of if your child gets an agent or manager right away, they should always be looking for ways to continue growing their career and network by working on their skill set through classes and pursuing other hobbies that make them the unique individual they are. 

Not everyone will have an easy path to finding representation, but don’t give up, they’re going to  be a huge asset to your career.