The Actor’s Guide to Working with Agents and Coaches

 

Our Words In Motion Actors just had a very successful Actors showcase.  We congratulate the many Actors that are gaining agents or a manager.

We felt like this was a great time to educate new talent regarding the process and how the acting community works.

 

How Talent Agents, Managers, and Acting Coaches Work Together

The Actor’s Guide to Working with Agents and Coaches

We Are a Team.

When an actor signs with a Talent Agent or Manager, they are joining a team dedicated to building their career. Each member of this team has a unique role, and when everyone works together, the results are powerful. The acting coach is an essential part of this team, preparing the actor and teaching them the business side of the industry. By fostering strong communication between the coach, agent, and actor, the team can operate seamlessly.

The Team’s Role

1. The Acting Coach:
   • The coach helps the actor refine their craft, prepare for auditions, and develop confidence.
   • Beyond skills, the coach teaches the actor how to navigate the industry, from creating professional materials to building relationships.
   • The coach also serves as a bridge between the actor and their agent, ensuring the actor receives the right guidance when challenges arise.
2. The Talent Agent or Manager:
   • Agents and managers focus on finding opportunities by pitching the actor to casting directors and securing auditions.
   • They oversee the actor’s materials—headshots, reels, and profiles—ensuring they are industry-ready.
   • They may also communicate with the acting coach to ensure the actor is prepared for auditions and career milestones.

Your Role as the Actor

If you have an acting coach who supports you and helps you grow, it’s your responsibility to introduce them to your agent or manager. This introduction strengthens your team and allows everyone to work together more effectively.

• Why It’s Important:
  • Your agent will know who to contact if you need additional training or help with specific roles.
  • Your coach will better understand your agent’s expectations and priorities, tailoring their guidance to your career goals.
  • Clear communication between your coach and agent ensures you get consistent advice and support.
• How to Introduce Them:
  • Simply let your agent know about your coach and suggest a conversation to align on your career.
  • This introduction helps build trust and a shared understanding, ensuring your team functions as a cohesive unit.

How Casting Works

Casting Directors are the gatekeepers who decide which actors are invited to audition. They already have a network of trusted talent, so it takes time for a new actor to stand out.

• Building Familiarity:
  Your agent submits you for roles, ensuring casting directors see your headshots and reels over time. With persistence, casting directors may start inviting you to audition.
• The Coach’s Role:
  Your acting coach ensures you are prepared to shine when those auditions come. They help you make strong, memorable choices that capture the casting director’s attention.
• Patience is Key:
  Success rarely happens overnight. Some actors book their first audition, while others go on hundreds before they land a role. The coach, agent, and manager work tirelessly during this period to prepare you and create opportunities.

Why Loyalty Matters

The early stages of your career are the hardest for your team.

• Your acting coach spends countless hours honing your craft and teaching you the business.
• Your agent or manager pitches and submits you tirelessly, working to get you in the room.

When you start booking roles and achieving success, it’s crucial to remember the effort your team put in to help you get there. Stay loyal to the team that invested in you—they’re the reason you’ve built momentum.

The Power of Collaboration

An actor’s career thrives when the team—actor, coach, agent, and manager—works in sync.

• The Coach ensures you’re ready for every opportunity.
• The Agent or Manager creates those opportunities and opens doors.
• The Actor ties it all together by working hard, staying committed, and building relationships.

By introducing your coach and agent, you strengthen the collaboration and ensure your team operates with clarity and purpose. Together, we fight for your success—because we’re stronger as a team.

Commit to your team as we commit to you.

A special thank you goes out to: Thank you for being at our 2024 Actors Showcase!  You make a difference.

• Cheryl Louden-Kubin at Atlanta Casting Director
• Gina Henry at MI Talent
• Blake Reece at MI Talent
• Carol Shaginaw at Carol Shaginaw Talent
• Amanda at Embrace Talent
• Diamond Alessandra from TTG
• Kanika from Gail TTG
• Villa Rica V-Plex
• Leanne Preston
• Julie Straton
• Robert Tharpe
• The Georgia Arts Initiative
• And all our dear friends and family

Your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in making these celebrations a resounding success.