Should an actor get a manager or agent first?

Should an actor get a manager or agent first?

Navigating the first big step in your acting career: choosing the right representative

(By Tonya Tannenbaum)

Before deciding who to seek first, it’s crucial to understand the core differences between an agent and a manager.

An agent is primarily responsible for finding you work. They submit you to casting calls, pitch you to producers and directors, and negotiate contracts. They are licensed and regulated and typically take 10% of what you earn from jobs they help you secure.

A manager, on the other hand, has a broader role in career development. They help you shape your brand, choose the right projects, prepare for auditions, and make long-term strategic decisions. Managers often take 10–15% of your income.

While agents focus on bookings, managers help develop you as a marketable talent in the long run.

Eventually, most successful actors have both. But in the beginning stages, that’s not always necessary—or feasible.

If you’re just starting out and haven’t booked much work, many agents won’t be interested in signing you yet. In this case, a manager can be invaluable because they may take on a more hands-on role, helping you build the materials and experience that attract agents later on.

However, if you’ve already had a few credits or are coming from a strong acting school or background, getting an agent first might be realistic and beneficial.

Let’s consider Lena, a 24-year-old actress fresh out of drama school with strong theater credits but no film or TV experience. She sends her resume to dozens of agents and hears nothing back. Then she meets a manager at a networking event.

The manager sees potential in Lena, helps her get new headshots, polishes her resume, and guides her in choosing the right classes to refine her on-camera skills. Within six months, Lena books two indie projects and gets invited to audition for a Netflix series.

With those credits, Lena finally lands an agent—something she couldn’t do before working with a manager.

Now let’s take Jason, a 32-year-old who’s been working consistently in commercials and regional theater. He’s already built up a strong reel and has several on-camera credits.

Jason targets agents that represent commercial actors and lands a meeting. Because of his experience, he signs with an agent without needing a manager’s help. The agent quickly starts submitting Jason for union roles, and he books a recurring TV role within his first year.

Later, as his career begins to shift toward film, Jason brings on a manager to help him strategically transition.

Choosing a manager first comes with several benefits, especially for newcomers:

More accessible: Managers are often more willing to take on new talent.

Personal development: Managers help shape your image and goals.

Career mentorship: They offer guidance on everything from audition prep to headshots.

More time: Managers usually have fewer clients than agents and may give more attention.

This makes managers ideal for actors who are still building their materials, need industry introductions, or are unsure how to market themselves.

An agent may be harder to get, but having one early has its own perks:

Access to auditions: Agents have the connections to get you into casting rooms.

Contract negotiation: They handle legalities and secure the best pay.

Industry credibility: Having an agent gives you professional legitimacy.

If you already have credits or training, signing with an agent first can fast-track your exposure to bigger projects.

Some actors manage to sign with both early on. While that’s not always necessary, it can be powerful if both parties work well together. In this arrangement:

The manager helps plan your overall trajectory and offers daily support.

The agent focuses on bookings and contract negotiations.

For example, Maya, a rising star in Atlanta, booked a few local gigs and caught the attention of a local agent. Her manager in Los Angeles helped her relocate and make the transition to a larger market. The duo worked in tandem, and within a year, Maya landed her first major film role.

You might want to prioritize a manager first if:

You have little to no on-camera experience.

You’re unsure how to market yourself.

You need help building industry relationships.

You’re transitioning from another medium (like theater to film).

You’re a child actor or new teen actor—where family dynamics also come into play.

A manager can provide a nurturing, tailored approach that’s vital in your developmental years.

You may be better off getting an agent first if:

You already have strong professional credits.

You’re confident in your branding and materials.

You’re ready to audition for union jobs and need access to top casting calls.

You’ve outgrown self-submissions and want someone negotiating on your behalf.

Agents open the doors to bigger jobs, and if you’re ready, they can elevate your career fast.

If you’re struggling to land either type of representative, don’t panic. Many actors spend time “in the gap” working independently. Here’s what you can do in the meantime:

Submit to open casting calls via sites like Backstage and Actors Access.

Build your reel through indie projects, student films, or your own content.

Take high-quality classes and train consistently.

Attend showcases and workshops that agents and managers frequent.

Plenty of actors have gotten representation after booking their own jobs or creating viral content. In today’s industry, self-starters often get noticed.

Whether you’re looking for a manager or an agent, referrals are gold. A recommendation from an acting coach, casting director, or fellow actor can open doors faster than a cold submission ever will.

Ben, a struggling actor, spent two years submitting to agents with no luck. Then, after working in a workshop led by a casting director, he was referred to a respected manager—and was signed within a week.

Networking is often just as important as talent and training.

While L.A. and New York remain industry hubs, agents and managers now work with talent from around the country. Especially in the wake of virtual auditions, many actors living in places like Atlanta, Vancouver, or Chicago can still land reps and work in major productions.

That said, you may have more opportunities for exposure if you’re in one of the big two cities. Being physically present can lead to chance encounters and in-person meetings that make a difference.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether an actor should get a manager or agent first. The right path depends on your experience, goals, and current resources.

If you need help shaping your path, start with a manager.

If you’re ready to book and earn, try to land an agent.

If you can, eventually aim for both.

No matter where you start, what matters most is your work ethic, professionalism, and ability to grow. The right team will come along when you’re ready—and when they do, they’ll help you rise even higher.

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