Acting agents are a type of agent who works with clients who perform on stage or screen. Acting agents, also known as acting managers, find potential roles for their clients and arrange for them to audition with casting directors and others who will make the final decision on who to hire for an upcoming entertainment production. Acting agents are one of several types of entertainment agents, and they are distinguished from model and talent agents who represent vocalists, voice over artists, and other members of the entertainment industry.
In many cases, a budding actor or actress will be unable to find work without the assistance of an acting agent. Agents of this type frequently act as advocates for their clients, employing a variety of tactics to get the performer’s name, credits, and image in front of the right people. This puts agents in direct contact with casting directors and other key people who have a say in who is hired and who isn’t for a given project.
Acting agents frequently agree to represent clients in exchange for a commission for their efforts. The commission is calculated based on the client’s gross pay after being hired as a result of the agent’s efforts. Acting agents may be entitled to a commission on other entertainment-related jobs that the actor may land without the agent’s direct involvement in some cases. The exact terms and conditions of the commission structure are defined in a formal contract between the agent and the actor, which is agreed upon and signed by both parties.
Acting agents rely on commissions to make a living, so they have a vested interest in placing as many of their clients as possible in well-paying acting jobs. However, there have been instances where an agent would devote most of his or her attention to one or a few high-profile clients while neglecting to pay attention to less well-known clients. When this happens, the client may be relegated to another agent within the talent agency, or even traded to other talent agencies if it is determined that the agents are unable to help the actor.