8 Tips for Actors Without Representation

Written by Olivia Mathis

As a performer, having an agent or a manager can be extremely beneficial. It is validating to know that you aren’t alone when you’re deep in the audition season. It’s vital to note that if you are actively seeking representation, there are plenty of ways to put yourself out there.

You can perform in showcases where agents are present, submit virtually, mail in your headshot and resume, and invite agencies and managers to upcoming cabarets and shows. These are all great ways to get your foot in the door, but what do you do while you await their response? You can’t put your career on hold until you have representation. So how do you navigate being your only advocate as a performer? As you dive into self-representing as an actor, here are some tips to help you along the way.

Understand the Job Description of a Manager and an Agent

Before you start self-representing, it’s important to understand the difference between an agent and a manager. They fulfill different roles in helping you with your career, and to “play this part” yourself, you need to understand what they do.

An agent’s job is to help you get work. They submit you for roles you’re right for, and when you go in for auditions on your own, they can help recommend you to the creative team. They can also negotiate your contract once you land a role.

Managers help with branding, career guidance, and networking. They help you to market yourself as an actor. Having an agent or a manager who is well-known and has a good reputation can also help with your credibility as a performer, and it might make casting agencies excited to see what you bring to the table.

Understand Your Type as an Actor

Whenever you sign with representation, one of the first things they make themselves well-versed on is what roles you’re currently right for. Many factors go into this, including your age, height, demeanor, and skill sets. This seems simple, but it can be difficult to know your type, as it doesn’t always line up with who you actually are. I’ve met so many villain types who are actually the sweetest people in real life!

My biggest recommendation for people who don’t know their type is to ask their mentors and friends. This is a great way to get an honest answer without your own opinions creeping in. Once you understand how people perceive you, you’ll know what roles you should be going for right now, and you can keep certain shows on your radar when searching for auditions.

Get Used to Self Submitting

While having an agent to get you self-tapes and appointments is helpful, it isn’t the only way to get seen. Use sites such as Actors Access, Backstage, and Playbill to find your auditions! It takes a lot of time and hard work, but even taking ten minutes of your day to look through auditions you’re right for will be a huge benefit. This is a great way to get a better understanding of which companies and theatres you want to work with as well. When you get into the habit of being your own agent, your hard work pays off. Even if you have representation, you should still seek out auditions on your own. Go out and try to get seen for the shows you’re interested in!

Go to Open Calls/EPAs/ECCs

While an agent can help you get appointments for upcoming projects, it's a great idea to attend open calls, EPAs, and ECCs, whether or not you have representation. There is no doubt that going to these can be tough. You often have to wake up extremely early, and there is never a guarantee that you’ll get seen. But if you can carve out time to go, even if it’s only a couple of times a month, it’s a great way to connect with casting directors, creative teams, your actor friends, and even other performers in the holding room. Regardless of what jobs you book, making a habit of going to open calls is a great tool for networking.

Know How to Network

Networking with casting directors, creative teams, and other performers is a great way to get jobs without representation. You never know what opportunities might come your way by simply knowing the right people. In fact, this is often something that managers work on with you. It’s easier said than done, but if you’re consistent about going to open calls and appointments, that can help a ton.

You can also go out to see your friend's shows and cabarets, talk with performers, stay connected with your cast and crew from shows you’ve been in, and find new mentors and teachers to train with. These small steps add up quickly. This industry seems scary and giant, but it’s smaller than you think. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself recognizing everyone.

Negotiate Your Contracts

When you receive a job offer, it’s important to note that you don’t have to accept the first contract they send your way. I always encourage actors to negotiate one thing. Whether it be a room to yourself, a higher rate, or a travel stipend, it’s vital to advocate for yourself. Know your worth and figure out your deal breakers.

Often, actors without representation get nervous about negotiating their own contracts, as they don’t want to appear rude or needy. I guarantee you that as long as you lead with kindness and don’t reply with a giant list of requests, people are used to negotiating. The worst thing they can say is no, so you might as well try to get your needs met.

Know How to Market Yourself 

Managers are useful when it comes to advice on branding and marketing yourself. When you don’t have that help, lean into easy tools to do so yourself. My biggest advice to performers who are self-marketing is to make a website and social media accounts. This doesn’t mean you have to be the best influencer in the world, but having clips of your art available to the public eye is vital.

Picture this: you go into an audition and the casting director wants to see more from you, but they don’t have time in their day to ask for more material. They oftentimes will look for your website, Instagram, or YouTube to see if you have any clips available for them to watch. If they can’t find anything, you’re making it harder for them to give you a callback. The solution is simple. Have a couple of videos of you showing what you do best pinned to the top of your Instagram, and save your reels on your website and YouTube. If you want to go above and beyond, that’s wonderful, but the key is to make it easy for creative teams to find your materials.

Have a Great Headshot and Resume

Your headshot and resume are not just a first impression. They’re also the only pieces of you that stay in the room long after you leave, so be sure that they represent you accurately. You should take pride in how they look.

When it comes to your headshots, work with photographers that you love, get them updated regularly, and have some different options for various projects. This sounds like a given, but they need to look like you. You never want to be in a position where you leave the room and the casting team can’t match you to your headshot.

For your resume, include all of the essentials, including your contact information, experience, training, and special skills. If you’re ever confused about what to include or not include, a great way to start is to look at your mentor’s resumes and format yours accordingly. Once you have the basics done, you can make your resume feel like you. This can mean going above and beyond and making yourself a logo, but it can also be as simple as matching the font color to your headshot background. Ultimately, your headshot and resume should feel like a nice wrapped-up package of who you are. Having great materials makes casting teams excited to see what you bring to the table, so let your materials work to your advantage.

You've Got This!

Self-representing can be daunting and difficult, but the more comfortable you get with utilizing these tips, the better off you’ll be. Although it comes with extra challenges, you do not need representation immediately to succeed. You are your biggest advocate in this industry, so go out there and take the reigns of your career!