Getting an acting agent can be a massive door opening to getting roles for agents. However, if you’ve never had an agent before, getting one can feel like an overwhelming and confusing ordeal. That’s why I’m here to clear up how to get an agent for actors.

From first steps, to crafting the perfect email, you will have an action plan on what you need to do in order to get the perfect agent for you.

Get Some Acting Training

One of the best things you can do to start on your journey to getting an agent is to get some acting training. While this is an amazing idea for your acting journey in general, getting some acting training can really help you to get an agent for many reasons.

First, it shows you’re investing in your own career. As agents only earn when you book projects, they want to know that you’re putting in the effort to build up your skills.

Second, the more your skills grow, the more of a valuable asset you will be for agents. If they see you’re good at what you do, then they are more likely to want to represent you.

Finally, some training establishments put on showcases that you can invite agents to or help you to get footage you can use for your showreel. Your teachers may already have contacts that they can refer you to or invite to showcases, helping you to build your network.

Get Some Acting Experience

You know when you’re looking to buy something online, and you come across a product listing that has no purchases and no reviews? You’re far less likely to buy it, right?

It’s the same way with agents.

Agents want to know that people want to book you, and the best way to show them that is to prove that people already have.

If you’re looking to build up your credits, check out sites such as:

• Mandy
• Backstage
• Actor’s Access (US only)
• Shooting People
• Starnow
• Dramanic

All of these platforms can help you get work on student projects, independent films, fringe theatre and even professional productions, so you can start working and build up your CV.

Check out my post on How To Get Acting Work Without An Agent to find out all of the ways that you can start to get your first acting credits.

Build Up Your Confidence

Building up your confidence is a really important and often neglected aspect of getting an agent. You’re essentially promoting yourself as an actor so that someone else will want to work with you. You won’t be able to do this effectively if you don’t believe in yourself. You might even end up self-sabotaging because you won’t believe you really deserve it!

It’s important that you build up your confidence in general. Not only is this just good for you as a person, it will have a ripple effect into your career. Make sure to engage in self care, affirmations and staying on top of your wellbeing in order to build your confidence.

Some of the best ways to build your confidence as an actor is to follow the steps lifted above. Taking classes and getting some acting experience will help you to reaffirm to yourself that you do know what you’re doing and you have something valuable to offer.

One of the absolute best ways to build your confidence is to have a regular at home acting practice. This will not only help you to keep your skills fresh, but help you to prove your commitment and reliability to yourself.

Check out my post on building an acting practice at home to figure out how this can be a game changer for your entire acting career.

Create A Great CV

The agents you get into contact with will want to know about your training, experience, and special skills, so they know if you’re something they feel they can work with to advance your career.

Creating a professional actors CV is one of the best ways to show agents you have what they want.

On your CV you will want to include your headshot, contact info, credits, as well as any special skills and accents.

Buidling up your special skills and accents can give you an edge over other actors getting in touch with accents. Check out my posts on improving your CV with special skills and accents in order to really catch the attention of the agents you get in touch with.

Get Some Amazing Headshots

Headshots are one of the best ways to catch an agent’s attention and show them what you’re all about. They have to know if they have anyone with your look on their books already, so you don’t clash with anyone they’re already representing.

Look into headshot photographers working in your area and look at their work to see if they can give you the kind of results you want. You can also browse profiles and CVs of other actors online and check out who took their headshots. Try and go for a photographer whose work you love, and who you think can represent you in the best way.

Build A Showreel

Agents need to be able to know that you can act before they can even begin to make a decision about whether they want to represent you or not. So, you will need to have some footage prepared before you get in touch.

The best way to do this is to prepare a showreel. Try to work on some student or independent films in order to collect some footage. Make sure that they include at least one substantial scene for your character so you know you can use it in your showreel.

Sometimes, student films can take a while to get your footage back to you, so an alternative is to book a session with a showreel company. These companies will shoot scenes specifically for your showreel, and often edit them for you too, so you have a professional looking showreel to show off your skills.

If you aren’t getting any footage back from your projects, and you can’t afford to go with a showreel company, an alternative is always to record a self tape performing a scene or a monologue. This is really easy to do at home. Just make sure your sound is clear and your background isn’t distracting. In a pinch, this is an amazing way to make sure you have some footage to send off even if you don’t have a showreel yet.

Get On Spotlight

Some agents won’t represent actors in the UK who don’t have a Spotlight account, making them part of the actor’s database. This is because many casting directors only put their breakdowns out on Spoitlgiht, making it the only way for actors to be submitted. Of course, this creates a huge barrier to entry for beginner actors, because to get accepting onto Spotlight you need either:

• Two paid acting credits
• 1 year full time or 2 years part-time Level 5 (above A-Level) actor training.

If you have neither of these, where do you start?

A foundation degree or higher level training course is a great option. However, if you want to go straight into the biz, you can go the acting credits route. Using the methods and platforms listed above, you can build up your paid credits.

One of the best ways to get onto Spotlight and build up your acting skills and confidence is to join iampro. Offering online acting classes, as well as workshops with agents and casting directors, this site will allow you to get onto Spotlight after two years of taking classes with them. It is a cost effective and convenient way to start to build your career and get your foot in the door.

Do Your Research

Not all agents work the same way, so you will want to do your research so you can apply to the ones that align with your vision.

Look into the kind of actors they represent. Do they have anyone who has your looks and skills on their books already? If not, then there’s a space for you!

Look into the kind of work they get their actors. Is it the kind of work you want to do? There’s no point applying to an agent that specialises in musical theatre if you want to work in film.

See what casting directors they can get you in front of. You can do this by seeing the kind of work they’ve managed to get their current clients and the people who have cast those productions. See what else those casting directors have worked on too. Are they the kind of people you want to get in front of?

Keeping an eye on their social media is always an idea too. This can help you to get a sense of who they are as a person and how they work, so you can figure out if they’re someone you want to work with too.

TOP TIP

Try and make sure your agent is part of the PMA – or the Personal Managers Association. While there are good agents that aren’t part of the PMA, ensuring they are on this list means that you can be 100% sure that they are working to a high ethical standard.

Basically: this is a vetting system meaning that you can keep yourself safe when you sign with an agent.

Attend Agent Workshops

While agents are not allowed to sign people purely off the back of agent workshops, they can be a really useful way to get to know agents and begin to make your face familiar.

Firstly, agent workshops take the mystery out of agents. When you’re starting out, agents can feel like these scary creatures who are only there to judge you and your work. They’re not! Going to agent workshops can help you feel more at ease around agents and see them as people just like you.

Secondly, attending a variety of acting agent workshops can help you figure out what different agents are actually like. There may be some that you love the idea of working with and then realise you don’t really gel with them as a person. However, you may end up meeting agents that you absolutely think the world of too! This is a chance for you to figure out who you might actually have a good working relationship with.

Finally, this is a way to start getting your face in front of different agents and help them to become familiar with you and your work. While agents cannot offer your representation off the back of a workshop, they may remember how lovely and talented you were when you later get in touch or when they see your work in a more professional capacity. Agent workshops can help you build a positive and memorable first impression that can support you later down the line.

Invite Agents To Your Performances

One of the best ways to show agents what you can do is to invite them to your performances. This way, they can see you in action, and you may even get the chance to chat with them afterwards if they decide to come along.

Some things to remember when you’re inviting an agent to your performance:

• Make sure you have a significant role. There’s no point them taking an evening out of their lives so they can see you act for 30 seconds.
• Make sure it’s near to them. London-based agents are unlikely to travel to Newcastle to see you in a local theatre production.
• Make sure the production is of good quality and you are proud of being in it. You don’t want them to forever associate you with a rubbish night out!
• Give them lots of notice. Agents have busy schedules!
• Make sure to offer them comped tickets so they don’t have to pay for their own ticket.
• Thank them for coming afterwards.

If they can’t make it – don’t worry! Your invite meant that you had a good reason to email, get your materials in front of them and show that you’re booked and busy!

Write A Fantastic Email

You don’t want to have done all this work and prep only for your email to let you down. Here are some top tips for writing a great agency email.

• Have a reason for writing! There’s no point writing if you don’t have a purpose. So, you should only contact an agent when you: are introducing yourself for the first time, have new headshots or a new showreel, have worked on something new they can watch, or are inviting them to a show you are in.
• Use their name! No one likes to feel like they’re lost in the crowd in a bulk email send-out. If you’re writing to an agency with multiple agents, address it to the on you’d like to be represented by.
• Personalise it. Especially if you’re introducing yourself for the first time, or specifically asking for representation, it can help to show that you know their work. If you’ve seen one of their clients in something recently, mention how much you enjoyed their work.
• Highlight what makes you special. Mention recent projects you’ve worked on, what you’re currently working on, and any special skills or accents that set you apart. Include this info in your subject line too. For example: 40-year-old Female Actor With Native Geordie Accent and Saxophone Skills Seeking Rep.
• Include your headshot, as well as links to an online CV and your Spotlight account in the body of your email. Attaching them can mean they end up in spam for containing large files, meaning your email never reaches the agent at all!
• Include a request. This is easy if you’re inviting them to a show. You may want to ask for representation outright, and that’s fine if that’s what you’re looking for, but you may also want to just ask if they wouldn’t mind having a meeting sometime or go for a coffee (you’re paying, of course!) This can allow you to get to know each other without any pressure on a result. Know your request and include it in the email. Otherwise, they have nothing to respond to.

Prepare For Your Agency Meeting

Now it’s time to prepare for your agency meeting. Nervous? That’s okay, but really there’s no reason to be.

Here are some of the top ways you can prepare for your agency meeting:

• Take along a physical headshot and CV, just in case the one they already have goes awry.
• Be prepared to talk about your goals. Think about roles you might like to play, specifically and more generally such as character types. Talk about casting directors you would like to get in front of, and specifically mention ones you know they’ve worked with before. Talk about any career shifts you’d like to make. Perhaps you want to book your first TV roles.
• You may be asked about your experience. You can mention training, and talk about projects you’ve worked on. Focus on the projects you’re most proud of, the one’s you’ve most enjoyed and the ones that represent the work you want to do in future.
• Be prepared to share anything you’re doing to keep up your acting skills, such as acting classes, playreading groups, personal practice and any classes to keep up your special skills, such as dancing, instruments, or horse riding lessons.
• Have some questions you want to ask! You might want to ask how regularly they keep in touch with clients, how they could see you working together, and what they expect their clients to be doing on their end – plus anything else you may be curious about!
• If you’re having a meeting about representation specifically, make sure to ask about their rates. This should be mentioned by them if they want to represent you but, if not, make sure you know and make a note of it.
• It’s really, really, really rare that you will be asked to perform anything in an agency meeting. However, it’s a good idea to have a couple of monologues in your back pocket – just to put your mind at rest.

Now you’re all prepared. Before you go in, try to relax. They’re a person, just like you. Do some deep breathing or meditation. They wouldn’t be meeting with you if they weren’t interested. You’re going to be fine!

Questions To Ask In Your Agency Meeting

Not sure what kinds of questions you should be acting in your agency meeting?

Check out Gemma Wallace’s amazing video covering all the best questions you might want to ask when you got to your meeting. Her video really is top notch, and will help you to develop the confidence you need to really put yourself forward and play your part in your meeting.

When Not To Sign With An Agent

So, you’ve had your meeting and -wow- you’ve been offered representation. You might feel on top of the world. But wait. Something’s off.

There are a few red flags to look out for when it comes to signing with an agent. Here are the biggest ones:

• They have a sign up fee. Nope! Run! This is a quick way for agents to make money without having to actually do anything to help your career. If you have to pay anything up front, then do not sign. This is a classic scam indicator.
• They charge more than standard agency rates. Agents should take no more than 10-20% commission, with commercials being at the higher end of that scale. If they charge anymore than this, they it is not a fair split and your value is being diminished.
• They put pressure on you to make a decision. Agents will want you to let them know at some point soon, but if they ask you to tell them in the meeting, or give a really short deadline such as a couple of days, then they do not have your best interests at heart and trying to scare you into signing contracts fast. Don’t bother. They should give you a week or two to decide. If you have meetings with other agents, let them know when your last one is and that you will get back to them afterward so that you can make the best decision for you.
• They make you feel unsafe in any way. I promise you, it’s not worth it. Run!

My Agency Meeting Horror Story!

That last one point be really difficult. You want to believe this person will help you fulfill your dreams, so it can be really hard to turn someone down based on how you feel.

Let me share a story with you.

I had a meeting with an agent really early on in my career. I was super excited that they wanted to meet me and I really hoped I’d sign with them. Then I went for my meeting and the agent made me really uncomfortable. They spoke down to me, belittled me, showed no interest in my career, commented extensively on my appearance and generally made me feel super icky. Then, they offered me representation with the caveat that I decide within three days – and to remember that if I didn’t sign with them in that time, they could easily just find someone else!

Wow.

At the time, it felt like a really difficult decision to turn them down. I really wanted to get through the doors they could open for me! In the end, I’m so glad I never signed with them. Instead, I met with more agents later down the line who were all lovely, respectful and made me feel totally at ease!

While this is a really personal decision, don’t feel that you have to sign with someone who make you feel uncomfortable just because they can open doors for you. Your self worth is genuinely worth protecting and there are agents out there who you will not have to sacrifice that for.

What To Do If You Don’t Get An Agent

So, you’ve had all your meetings and no one’s offered you representation. What a bummer!

Don’t worry though, all is not lost. Here are some things you can do to improve your chances next time.

Keep An Eye On Their Roster

Sometimes a no isn’t because they don’t want to represent you, but because they already have someone like you on their books. Keep an eye on who they’re representing. A gap may open up that wasn’t there before, and you might be the perfect person to fill it.

Also keep an eye out for specific call outs. Sometimes agents want to represent more of a certain type of actor, so if you fit the bill you will definitely want to get in touch.

Keep In Touch

Again – no isn’t never and things can change. Whenever you get new headshots, a new showreel, or a new project to share with them or invite them to, let them know in an email. This will allow them to keep up to date with you, let them know you’re still interested and will keep you fresh in their minds for if a space opens up.

Keep Working

Getting turned down by agents isn’t the end! It really is just the beginning. Keep working, studying, and gaining experience. Not only do you not need an agent to keep doing what you love, but the more you work, the more valuable you will become. This means that, next time you apply, they will have even more reason to sign you to their books.

Don’t Give Up!

An acting career truly is a journey.

It would be so nice to get into our dream drama school, sign with a top agent at our showcase and win an Olivier within the year.

For most actors, that isn’t how things work and you know what? I think it’s far more rewarding when you have to take things each step at a time.

For most actors, there will be a long future of agency meetings, agents they don’t quite gel with, periods of self-representation, big agents and boutique agents, and all sorts of things that change and shift as you do.

Whatever happens, don’t give up. Trust that every step on the path is taking you to where you need to be.

I really hope this has helped you prepare for getting an agent. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch and I’ll do my best to help.

Best of luck, and break a leg!