Do Acting Managers Get You Auditions?

Do Acting Managers Get You Auditions?

Exploring the Truth About What Acting Managers Can—and Can’t—Do for Your Career

(By Tonya Tannenbaum)

Acting managers play a crucial role in guiding an actor’s career path, but one of the most commonly asked questions in the entertainment industry is: Do acting managers get you auditions? The answer, like many things in show business, is nuanced.

Managers are not legally permitted to procure employment for actors—this responsibility typically falls to licensed talent agents. However, acting managers are instrumental in preparing actors for auditions, recommending them for roles informally, and helping position their clients for the right opportunities.

In essence, while acting managers might not directly “get” you auditions, they often help make them happen indirectly.

Legally speaking, only talent agents—especially those licensed in states like California and New York—can submit actors for auditions and negotiate contracts. Managers, on the other hand, are not held to the same legal standard. This distinction is important.

For example, California’s Talent Agencies Act (TAA) regulates agents strictly. If a manager were to procure work for a client without being a licensed agent, they could face legal penalties.

Still, some managers do submit their clients for projects when operating in less regulated markets or in collaboration with agencies. These practices operate in a gray area of legality, and while they might result in auditions, they carry risks.

Though managers can’t legally get you auditions, they significantly influence whether or not those auditions come your way. Here’s how:

Branding: Managers help refine your image to attract the right casting calls.

Materials: They oversee professional headshots, demo reels, and resumes to ensure you’re market-ready.

Connections: Managers often know casting directors, producers, and agents and can refer or recommend clients.

Strategy: They may advise which roles to pursue or avoid to shape your career trajectory.

Take for example an actor trying to break into dramatic television roles after doing years of comedy. A savvy manager might guide them toward specific acting classes, help revamp their reel, and recommend them to a trusted agent who can actively submit them to drama-based projects.

Consider the case of Zendaya, who successfully transitioned from Disney Channel fame to acclaimed dramatic roles like Euphoria. While her agent helped secure auditions, her manager played a behind-the-scenes role in transforming her public persona and career direction.

Another example is Chris Pratt, whose career shifted dramatically from comedy (Parks and Recreation) to action and leading man roles (Guardians of the Galaxy). His manager reportedly helped position him for a more versatile portfolio by carefully selecting scripts and working with agents to seek out the right auditions.

These cases show that while managers may not press “submit” on a casting site, they help actors evolve, making them more appealing candidates for the types of roles they desire.

Ideally, an actor’s manager and agent should work as a team. The manager focuses on the long game—image, growth, and life strategy—while the agent handles the day-to-day submissions, negotiations, and appointments.

When these two professionals collaborate well, auditions are more likely to flow in, and the roles offered tend to be more aligned with the actor’s long-term goals.

For instance, if an actor’s agent secures a role in a big-budget horror movie, but the actor wants to focus on comedy, the manager might intervene and suggest waiting for the right fit. This dynamic ensures that the actor’s brand remains consistent and appealing to casting professionals.

In practice, some managers do act outside their legal boundaries, especially in less regulated states or countries. They may have relationships with casting directors and use these connections to get their clients in the room.

While it’s not technically legal in places like California, many casting directors and producers prefer working with managers due to their often smaller rosters and personal investment in their clients.

This is especially common in early career stages or independent productions where legal boundaries are less rigorously enforced. While it’s risky, it’s also how many unknown actors land their first roles—by working with a proactive manager willing to hustle.

If a manager promises to get you dozens of auditions immediately or demands an upfront fee for doing so, consider it a red flag. Legitimate managers get paid a percentage (usually 10–15%) of what the actor earns and don’t charge money for access to auditions.

Some scams prey on new actors by offering fake auditions in exchange for “representation” fees. Always check a manager’s track record, ask for references, and verify their client list before signing on.

A real manager will focus on developing your career, not just landing you a part.

Yes, absolutely. In the early stages of your career, many actors find auditions through:

Self-submission platforms like Backstage or Casting Networks

Open calls

Acting classes or showcases

Independent projects and student films

Some actors even book significant roles before ever having a manager or agent. However, as your career develops, a manager can help elevate your opportunities from basic casting calls to more exclusive and higher-profile auditions.

A great example is Millie Bobby Brown, who booked Stranger Things through a traditional audition but later added a manager to help navigate the industry explosion that followed.

Timing is everything. Here are some signs you may be ready for a manager:

You’re landing roles but want to expand your reach.

You’re juggling multiple career decisions and need guidance.

You’re ready to build a public image or personal brand.

You’ve signed with an agent and want help managing your growing workload.

For example, a theater actor with regional success might turn to a manager for help transitioning into television. The manager will assist in navigating headshots, connecting with on-camera agents, and choosing the right casting workshops.

A manager is more than a business partner—they’re your advocate and mentor. Open communication, mutual trust, and shared vision are essential for the relationship to succeed.

Here’s what to expect from a strong manager-actor relationship:

Regular strategy meetings

Honest feedback about performances and image

Guidance on professional choices (classes, auditions, appearances)

Encouragement and emotional support during dry spells

When actors and managers are on the same page, it creates a solid foundation that helps actors thrive—even in an unpredictable industry.

So, do acting managers get you auditions? Not directly—at least not legally. But their influence, connections, and strategic planning can make all the difference in whether auditions come your way and how ready you are to seize them.

They are key players in preparing you for success, helping you understand which auditions matter, and guiding your every step before and after the big break.

Actors who work hand-in-hand with a committed manager often find themselves better positioned, more prepared, and ultimately more successful in landing the roles they dream of.

If you’re ready to build your career, a good manager might not be the person who gets you in the room—but they’ll make sure you’re unforgettable once you’re there.

Acting Magazine Newsletters

Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.

Sign me up for the newsletter!