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Getting Acting Representation

Getting acting representation starts long before the first submission email goes out. Agents look for preparation, consistency, and a clear sense of direction, even at the early stages of a career. This guide outlines what to do before seeking an acting agent, helping you build a strong foundation that supports confident outreach and professional momentum.

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Jumpstart Your Acting Career With A Great Actor Package

Before reaching out to agents, assemble a clear, professional actor package. This package allows agents and casting professionals to assess your readiness quickly and confidently. At minimum, it should include:

a professional headshot,
acting clips, and
an acting resume.

Headshots

Your headshot often creates the first impression. Choose a photographer who specializes in actor headshots and understands current casting expectations. Use images that reflect how you realistically appear and the types of roles you pursue. Once finalized, upload your headshots to major casting platforms such as Actors Access so your materials remain accessible and consistent.

Acting Clips and Self-Tapes

Next, prepare short clips that showcase your acting ability and range. Focus on clear performances rather than production value. One-minute clips work well and may highlight:

language fluency,
accents,
physical or athletic skills,
other unique abilities.

These clips help agents and casting directors evaluate your presence, tone, and emotional range without needing a full audition.

Acting Résumé

Your résumé should reflect training, credits, and special skills honestly and clearly. If you remain early in your career or recently returned after time away, list recent acting classes and workshops. Training signals commitment and discipline, even when professional credits remain limited. Include special skills only when you can perform them confidently.

Online Presence Before Acting Representation

To present your materials in one place, consider creating a simple online portfolio or actor website. This acts as a central hub where agents and casting professionals can review your headshots, clips, and résumé quickly. If building a site feels overwhelming, a web designer or template-based platform can simplify the process.

[Read also: 5 Awesome Acting Training Tips]

Build a Strong Actor Package Before Seeking Acting Representation

Securing acting representation is often one of the biggest turning points in an actor’s career, but it rarely happens by chance. Agents look for actors who are already prepared to compete professionally, which means showing up with a strong, cohesive actor package. Representation opens doors to auditions that are typically unavailable through self-submission, especially for larger or more competitive projects. Casting teams rely on agents to pre-screen talent because time is limited and expectations are high.

For actors seeking representation, the process should be ongoing and strategic rather than rushed. Even after signing with an agent, many working actors continue building a team of representatives who can submit them across different areas of the industry, including:

commercial
theatrical
voice-over

Having coverage across multiple categories increases the number of opportunities you are submitted for and allows your career to grow in more than one direction. A well-prepared actor package, paired with the right representation, positions you to be taken seriously by agents, casting directors, and producers alike. Building this foundation early signals professionalism and long-term potential — qualities agents actively seek when deciding who to represent.

Finding Auditions Before Having Acting Representation

You can audition, whether or not a Casting Director has specifically requested you. Discovering a self-submission opportunity can be a good way to prepare while you search for representation. Finding auditions without representation is possible when you learn how to utilize:

casting websites,
social media groups, and
personal connections.

If audition opportunities have been scarce lately, take matters into your own hands and create your own momentum. Continue producing self-tapes and share them on social media or with your agent when appropriate. You can also upload strong clips to casting platforms so your work stays visible.

Putting It All Into Practice To Get Acting Representation

Before you get acting representation, your job is to build momentum. That means assembling strong materials, staying active through self-submissions, and consistently showing up prepared. Agents do not create careers from scratch — they amplify actors who already demonstrate readiness, discipline, and initiative.

Every self-tape, audition, and update to your actor package adds to your professional foundation. Training, clips, credits, and follow-through matter. These steps are not placeholders while you wait for representation; they are the work that makes representation possible.

Acting careers rarely move in a straight line. Progress comes from repetition, preparation, and timing aligning. When you focus on what you can control — your materials, your skill level, and your consistency — you place yourself in the strongest possible position for the next opportunity.

Whether representation comes sooner or later, the habits you build now will carry through every stage of your career. Stay focused, stay prepared, and keep moving forward with intention.

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What To Do Before You Get Acting Representation

Getting Acting Representation