How to find and choose the best acting agent — A comprehensive guide

Create your actor website on ActorCV

Secure the best representation — What to know when choosing an acting agent

Finding the best acting agent is a critical step in advancing your acting career. The right agent helps you secure auditions, negotiate contracts, and manage your career, making the process of choosing an agent important for your success.

Understanding the role of an acting agent

What an acting agent does

An acting agent represents you in the industry by helping you find job opportunities, negotiating contracts, and providing career guidance. They act as a link between you and casting directors, producers, and other key industry figures. To get an agent you typically need a few years of acting experience, so stay patient and persistent until your time has come.

The importance of a good agent

A good agent will have industry connections, a strong grasp of your strengths, and a commitment to promoting your career. When choosing an agent, it's essential to find one who aligns with your career goals and values. Being able to communicate with your agent about roles you would love to do, or feel less excited about is key in building trust for the both of you.

Choosing an agent — Key factors to consider

Reputation and industry connections

Research an agent's track record and their connections. Look for agents who have successfully represented actors in your field. Their relationships with casting directors and producers are key to securing roles. If you are finding it hard to land an agent, remember that networking and getting to know co-actors might one day lead to achieving your goal. One way of landing an agent is through word of mouth and recommendations — this goes both ways.

Specialization and expertise

Choose an agent who specializes in your acting area, whether it’s film, television, or theater. Their knowledge of the industry and current trends will help them represent you better. Having said that, an agents passion for acting and supporting you in your career could help you land roles that you are excited about — passion is usually noticed miles away.

Communication and professionalism

Evaluate how the agent communicates. They should be responsive, professional, and clear about your career progress. Reliable agents are respectful of your time and career aspirations. If you are an aspiring actor, your first step on your path to landing an agent is to have an actor website. This way you will come across as a professional actor and serious about pursuing this line of work.

Start your free trial on ActorCV

Photo source — Christina @ woctechchat.com, Unsplash

How to find and approach an acting agent

Network and referrals

Leverage your connections by reaching out to mentors, teachers, or classmates for referrals. Attend workshops, seminars, and industry events to meet potential agents. Don't forget that social media is another great way of showcasing your work and especially career updates. Don't shy away from reaching out to industry professionals on those platforms.

Research and shortlist

Use online resources and industry directories to research agents. Find those who represent actors with similar profiles and career goals. Don't hesitate to reach out to actors that you admire and ask how they got to where they are at today.
Be structured and shortlist about 15 agents based on their reputation and relevance to your career. Reach out to them with a concise introduction of yourself and make sure that you share your actor website with them.

Prepare your materials

Ensure your CV and headshots are current and professional. Write a concise cover letter that highlights your achievements and why you want to work with that specific agent. Being direct (and humble) is usually the way forward, because it communicates how clear you are about your goals and serious about achieving them.

Make the approach

Contact the agent professionally, following their submission guidelines. Be patient, as agents receive numerous submissions and may take time to respond. Usually, it is best practice to contact them online or by phone, rather than surprising them at their busy office.

Create your ActorCV website here and share with casting directors

Photo source — LinkedIn Sales Solutions, Unsplash

Evaluate and sign with an agent

Meet in person or virtually

Arrange a meeting with the agent to discuss your career goals and their approach. Ask about their representation style, fees, and expectations. Always ask any questions you may have. This shows that you are invested in decisions that you make and communicates integrity.
Don’t feel pressured ever to say yes immediately—take your time.

Review the contract

Carefully review the contract, including commission rates and exclusivity clauses. Seek legal advice if needed to understand your rights. If necessary, negotiate terms to ensure they meet your needs. Once you land an agent, they will be the ones taking over contract reviews while you can focus on your acting.

Verdict — Why choosing the right agent is key for success

Selecting the right agent is essential for your career advancement. A good agent will not only find you opportunities but also provide support for your professional development. Follow this guide to approach the process with confidence, increasing your chances of securing effective representation.

For more guidance on launching your acting career, read our article How to build your personal brand as an actor where we share strategies for developing an actor brand that sparks the curiosity of casting directors.