HOW TO GET AN AGENT!!!
Help›Frequently Asked Questions›About theatre›Agents, Agencies and the Union›Finding a Casting Agent›HOW TO GET AN AGENT!!!
Here's some things to think about when looking at getting an agent. Think it's reasonably comprehensive, so send the kiddliwinks this way :
WHAT IS AN AGENT?
An agent in the entertainment industry carries out activities on the behalf of a performer for financial benefit. The main role of an agent is to represent you in negotiations with employers about possible engagements. An agent is responsible for finding you work and negotiating the terms and conditions for that work.
HOW DO I GET AN AGENT?
If you have graduated from a recognized acting school, the school will have organised a final year production to showcase graduates to agents in the industry at large.
You will contact agents directly after graduation or at a time in your career that you believe you will require representation.
Equity can provide you with a list of contacts in the various states and territories. They also have a list of agents which are members of the Drama Agents Association - a national association of drama agents. It's members agree to work within a code of ethics devised by that association.
In approaching agents, you should send them a letter requesting an appointment with each agent. Include a resume and photo of yourself. You should follow up the letter with a telephone call. If you are appearing in a production, amateur or otherwise, send them a ticket to come and see you. Be prepared to do a lot of "door knocking"!
There a particular agents who deal in certain areas of the industry such as opera, film, television, dance and theatre. With a few exceptions, most agents will cover several areas. This is particularly so for theatre, film and television.
HOW CAN I CHOOSE AN AGENT?
In choosing an agent you need to take into account a number of considerations :
*the type of work you want to do
*the size of the agency
*the reputation of the agent
*the agents personality - will you get on together?
WHAT DO I DISCUSS WITH MY AGENT?
It is important that when you engage an agent both of you clearly appreciate each others expectations about what you will get out of the relationship.
At the outset, you should discuss :
*what functions they will fufill
*what shape your career will take
*what are the types of roles you will be sent for
*what happens when you want to leave the agency
*if you have to pay them commission if you obtain work thru your own efforts
*the field of activity in which the agent is authorized to represent you(e.g. only in live theatre, in Australia or overseas, etc.)
*the period for which the agency will represent you
*any obligations of the performer(that is, any obligations you have)
If you have any further queries about agents or the entertainment industry at large please contact the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance in your capital city. The number can be found in the local white pages (federal branch number is 02 9333 0999).
Joining the MEAA, the body with which Equity, the performers union, is part of, opens the door to many benefits and networking opportunities that may be unfamiliar to you. At a reasonable cost, you will find yourself part of the community of actors who make up this great organization, like Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Me and YOU!! Make sure you look into it - what have you got to lose?
Mick
WHAT IS AN AGENT?
An agent in the entertainment industry carries out activities on the behalf of a performer for financial benefit. The main role of an agent is to represent you in negotiations with employers about possible engagements. An agent is responsible for finding you work and negotiating the terms and conditions for that work.
HOW DO I GET AN AGENT?
If you have graduated from a recognized acting school, the school will have organised a final year production to showcase graduates to agents in the industry at large.
You will contact agents directly after graduation or at a time in your career that you believe you will require representation.
Equity can provide you with a list of contacts in the various states and territories. They also have a list of agents which are members of the Drama Agents Association - a national association of drama agents. It's members agree to work within a code of ethics devised by that association.
In approaching agents, you should send them a letter requesting an appointment with each agent. Include a resume and photo of yourself. You should follow up the letter with a telephone call. If you are appearing in a production, amateur or otherwise, send them a ticket to come and see you. Be prepared to do a lot of "door knocking"!
There a particular agents who deal in certain areas of the industry such as opera, film, television, dance and theatre. With a few exceptions, most agents will cover several areas. This is particularly so for theatre, film and television.
HOW CAN I CHOOSE AN AGENT?
In choosing an agent you need to take into account a number of considerations :
*the type of work you want to do
*the size of the agency
*the reputation of the agent
*the agents personality - will you get on together?
WHAT DO I DISCUSS WITH MY AGENT?
It is important that when you engage an agent both of you clearly appreciate each others expectations about what you will get out of the relationship.
At the outset, you should discuss :
*what functions they will fufill
*what shape your career will take
*what are the types of roles you will be sent for
*what happens when you want to leave the agency
*if you have to pay them commission if you obtain work thru your own efforts
*the field of activity in which the agent is authorized to represent you(e.g. only in live theatre, in Australia or overseas, etc.)
*the period for which the agency will represent you
*any obligations of the performer(that is, any obligations you have)
If you have any further queries about agents or the entertainment industry at large please contact the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance in your capital city. The number can be found in the local white pages (federal branch number is 02 9333 0999).
Joining the MEAA, the body with which Equity, the performers union, is part of, opens the door to many benefits and networking opportunities that may be unfamiliar to you. At a reasonable cost, you will find yourself part of the community of actors who make up this great organization, like Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Me and YOU!! Make sure you look into it - what have you got to lose?
Mick
Last updated: 3 April 2026