Dancing the Agent Dance

We've intentionally shied away from writing a "How to Get an Acting Agent" post until now because, until now, we haven't felt we've had a bunch to add to the existing conversation. Other outlets have already covered the bases pretty well.^[1]

In light of releasing our 2024 AUS Agent and UK Agent databases, however, we realised we do have a few hot takes – especially as related to mindsets and strategies – that the purely how-to guides don't typically traverse.

Thus, we've collected these thoughts below and will continue to add to them as our coaching practice and the industry evolve.

Our hot take on mindset

First things first: actors don't always always always need an agent. As we (somewhat controversially) wrote back in 2023, an agent isn't always the answer.

However, if we decide an agent is our answer, we need to reframe how this dynamic is perceived by default. Meetings exist just as much for us to get a vibe read of them as for them to get a vibe read of us. Like any long-term relationship, the actor-agent partnership is a two-way street.

Most advice articles will advocate investing some proper time researching. We agree. Our "yes, and..." to this, however, is to make the research process as fun as possible. This may border on a little woo-woo for some, but if we experience the agent outreach process as a slog, our energy will reflect that. And slog energy ain't the energy we want permeating our emails, Zoom calls, and in-person meets. So, when you sit down to hit up this work, brew your beverage of choice, source some Scooby snacks, and / or press play on your favourite playlist. Set yourself up to put your best energy forward.

Our hot take on strategy

We won't dive too deep into the obvious points. As mentioned, other outlets talk about the fundamentals faaar more comprehensively than we will or want to. But, yes, typically, we'll want to email our agents of choice with links to a solid headshot, CV, and reel. And by "solid", quality > quantity every 👏 time 👏

More strategically, if we can source e-intros from mutual connections, we should call in those favours. A referral automatically separates us as a signal amidst the noise. And agents receive a lot of noise. Referrals can come from a wide range of folk – think acting teachers, casting directors, and fellow actors, for instance – not just hot-shot directors or producers (though an e-intro from a hot shot never goes astray).

If we can't find a referral, another strategic plan of attack is to reach out with a comp ticket to one of our upcoming theatre performances or film premieres. Given agents make their pay packet when we make ours, it's understandably very attractive if we come to them already in work.

If neither e-intro nor invite is an option, don't stress, go direct. We'd strongly advise against outreach during showcase season unless you're a drama school kid participating in said showcase season. In AUS, this means avoiding September to November; in the UK, February - March. If you live elsewhere, email a drama school in your country to find out when this is.

A final word on outreach: we're fans of the follow-up. The extra mile is commonly the least crowded, so it can be a cool place to hang. A short 'n sweet follow-up at the two-week mark is often ideal.

Approaching an actor-agent relationship as a dance can be helpful because it reminds us that it's a dynamic process rather than a one-and-done event. We may have to waltz with a few partners before we find the one we fall into step with. And even then, not every dance partner is a forever dance partner.

In the spirit of empowering actors to empower themselves, remember: have fun. Do you. There's a whole lot of dance floor we can tear up solo 🕺

Thoughts / feedback / challenges? We'd genuinely love to hear.

Need some 1-On-1 attention? Book your coaching session today.

‌Citations:

^[1] e.g., https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-get-an-acting-agent-in-australia-73830/