The Role of Agents and Talent Managers in the Performing Arts

When it comes to careers in the performing arts, there’s more to it than just auditioning for jobs onstage and working to put together sets and costumes. There are also people who work with that talent in order to help them find jobs. They are called agents. What do these agents do? And what about talent managers?

Those who choose to work in these roles need to not only understand the performing arts, but also people, since they’ll be working closely with actors and other talent. So, how do you become an agent or talent manager? Here’s what you need to know.

The Role of An Agent

An agent is someone with a very important job; helping people find work as actors or actresses. Agents receive information about the various productions that are in casting, and they convey all of those details to the actors who they represent. The goal is to find actors or actresses who match the casting descriptions and are talented enough to get the job. Most agents don’t receive payment until they do so, as they receive a percentage of the money that their represented actors make. In addition, if you want to work as an agent, you need to be licensed in the state that you plan on residing and working in.

The Role of a Talent Manager

Unlike an agent, who represents more than one actor at a time, talent managers often only have a small number of clients, usually only one. Another difference is the fact that talent managers can’t send their clients to auditions. They don’t have the power of agents when it comes to things like that. A talent manager also doesn’t need to be licensed in order to work.

So, with that said, why have a talent manager? These trained professionals help actors and actresses with their craft. They suggest taking certain acting classes, assist with other business decisions, such as which brands they should choose to work with, and more. Also, a talent manager ensures that you have an agent who is working on your behalf and helps you find one should you want to switch representation.

How to Become an Agent or a Talent Manager

Does working as an agent sound appealing? What about a talent manager? If you want to work in either of these fields, then you need to start out by learning as much as you can about their craft. While you don’t necessarily need a degree in the field of performing arts in order to be an agent or talent manager, it absolutely helps provide you with a solid background and starting point.

Start Your Career at Dean College

Do you want to become an agent or a talent manager? It all starts with a degree in theatre. The program here at Dean College is designed to allow you to choose one of several specialties, all related to the performing arts. This way, you already know a number of crucial facts about how the performing arts operate, helping you start your career off on the right foot. Request more information, today!