Return to main Advice page

EXTRActs

In conjunction with Methuen Drama at A&C Black, The Stage is please to present a selection of extracts from the publication 'The Actors' Yearbook 2007'.

Permission to reproduce the material from the following title is kindly granted from A&C Black publishers

The title listed below can be purchased at a 10% discount from the Methuen Drama website here: A&C Black website.

---

The Actors' Yearbook 2007

Edited by Simon Dunmore and Andrew Piper
© 2006 A&C Black Publishers Ltd

Foreward

Other people's words.

There are a lot of them out there. We make our living saying them. Why should you bother with these?

This is a nice fat book, which will take a good amount of time to work through. How can I justify taking more of your time in a foreword? As actor, then as director, and most recently as artistic director (of Sheffield Theatres - there we are under Crucible Theatre, on page 102), I have had to deal with the vagaries of this business for nearly 20 years. In that time, casting directors have become obligatory for plays, where before they largely only did films or telly; the number of agencies and actors in training has gone through the roof; and Spotlight has got much fatter - it used to be four volumes, it's now ten. Since I started last year at Sheffield, I've been sent over a thousand CVs, and nearly as many invitations to see people's work. All are read, acknowledged, and filed, and I see those shows that I can. But there are no more jobs than there were 20 years ago. As Tarzan said: ''It's a bloody jungle out there.'' So what will help you distinguish yourself from the multitude?

First of all, talent. There is such a thing. It's deeply unfashionable to say so, but it does exist, and it eventually makes a difference. Let's hope you have it. Second, the talent for having talent, which is just as important. Try to keep your spirits up. If, in the depths of your darkest night, you can still answer with a resounding 'yes', the question 'must I act?', and you suspect that you might be quite good at it, then hi diddle di dee, an actor's life may be for you; look after your mental and physical health and begin to use this book to your advantage. The practicalities of the profession are one thing you can master - they needn't be allowed to master you. That's where this admirable volume comes in.

It's who you love, not who loves you, that makes you the person you are. There are thousands of organisations out there willing to take your money in return for training, representation, taking your photograph, printing your photograph, putting your photograph on a CD Rom...Some of these organisations are better than others. Only detailed study, asking around and getting a feel for the people concerned will tell you which ones you should favour. A judicious use of this book will save you time and money, so the hours you might have spent working in the bar can be spent learning your lines, or practising your dancing or fencing, or just catching up on much-needed sleep.

The field of possible employment for an actor today is actually extraordinarily wide, so try to do a bit of everything (it should mean less time between jobs). Try to be the sort of actor who wants work and not just stardom. Try to go to the theatre occasionally, and try to hang out with real people, not just actors - after all, you will very rarely get to play an actor...

And join our Union. Be a loud, proud, audible member. The contracts that you work on have been negotiated by Equity, and it's right that you should be a member if you intend to use them. The insurance and backstage cover, the pension plan and the protection of your professional name are each worth the subscription by themselves, but there's a better reason to join. Our professional lives (and increasingly, our personal lives) can be fragmented, sometimes lonely. Your Equity card is a sign that you are a valued brother or sister in a proud profession, and your voice matters.

(And if you ever get stuck for inspiration, read David Mamet's introduction to A Practical Handbook for the Actor - it's top.)

Good luck.

Samuel West
Artistic Director, Sheffield Theatres
April 2006

---

Agents and casting directors

Being an agent

Brian Taylor

The image of an agent - Woody Allen in Broadway Danny Rose, on the phone at a desk piled chaotically high in a crowded office, ringing around and touting for business, responding to rumours of possible castings and going out to lunch an awful lot! - still holds fast in many minds. But much has changed: the electronic age has arrived; agents now work in a sophisticated way, making great use of the Internet, faxes, emails, etc.

Brian Taylor Associates is an established, middle-sized agency with two full-time members of staff and two part-time, and about 80 clients. As such, we are typical of most actors' agencies. Over many years we have established strong, friendly and important contacts with the major television companies - providers of a great deal of work; with theatre producers and directors; with theatre companies in London, theatres around the country, the RNT and the RSC; and with casting directors, both commercial and non-commercial, across all aspects of the business. As a result our suggestions have become respected and are taken seriously: we do not suggest actors inappropriately, simply because they are not working. This is essential to the successful running of the business.

On a busy day the agency can be kept occupied simply responding to the casting breakdowns that are fed to us from all directions: by phone, email, fax and post. We respond with our suggestions, sending out letters with photographs and CVs; sometimes by fax, with names and Spotlight numbers only; by email, attaching jpeg photos and CVs; and most frequently now, by the Spotlight Link. So it's important that actors go into Spotlight, even impoverished students just out of drama school, if they are not to miss out on casting.

When not putting up suggestions, talking to casting directors, giving appointments to clients, listening to their worries and concerns, etc., time has to be found to interview actors looking for representation. Actors writing in, please think carefully about how you address us. 'Dear Sir/Madam' gets nowhere; 'To Whom It May Concern' receives even less consideration! Do not be over-familiar. Be brief and concise. Do not try to be witty and facetious. Always include an sae if you want a reply. Do not 'slag off ' your old agent.

Time must also be found to go and see clients in performance. This is always a priority, sometimes involving long journeys, and it's not always possible. Requests are received to go and see other actors, again involving long journeys... and all this at the end of a hard day in the office. Actors often forget that. In touch with the major drama schools, we try to see their student productions, and eventually their showcases, in our search for new and exciting talent. In fact there is a period, starting even before Easter, when if one chose (or was able to) one could be out at a showcase almost every day of the week, such is the proliferation of drama schools today.

So a typical agent's day, in and out of the office, will involve most of the above plus the administrative, book-keeping and accounting work involved in running any busy concern. Hopefully this will go some way towards rectifying some actors' image of their agent as a wining, dining, do-nothing layabout. Not true!

Brian Taylor read History at Leeds University, was Head of Department at a large London comprehensive school, and then worked as a Producer/Director for ILEA Television where he was responsible for a variety of programmes, including history documentaries, drama series and art programmes. He left to set up his own video production company, which produced a widely marketed video, 'Discovering London', presented by Sir Ian McKellen. He also taught at LAMDA, and eventually came to work with agent Nina Quick. In 1995 he bought out the business, now renamed Brian Taylor Associates. Brian lives and works in Kensington, but escapes each weekend to his cottage in the Cotswolds, to escape the rigours and stresses of being an agent.

---

Agents and casting directors

Agents

A good agent understands contracts, knows the current rates in every field of work and - most importantly - has plenty of professional contacts and access to far more casting information than most individuals can ever possess. Directors and casting directors rely on the agents they know and trust to help with the filtering process of whom to interview. A good agent will work hard at promoting each of his/her clients; in return, it is not unreasonable that they charge commission on every contract they negotiate for you - generally, 10-20 per cent (plus VAT, if appropriate). A good agent will also (a) have only as many clients as they can reasonably handle, and (b) ensure that they have a good range of ages and types of actors to cover as many casting opportunities as possible.

When you are seeking representation, it is advisable to contact agents by post in the first instance - unless specifically informed otherwise. It is a good idea to include a separate 10x8in (25x20cm) photograph, and it is important that all your enclosures give your name and the best way to contact you (not a long list of confusing alternatives). Agents receive many requests for representation, and photographs can become separated from their accompanying letters and CVs, so proper labelling is essential.

Use the listings that follow to (a) target your submission as accurately as possible (by writing to a specific, named person, for example), (b) check for any details that could inform the content of your letter, and (c) find out whether each would be interested in any extras, like a showreel. Time spent checking details can save money and enhance your chances of being noticed more than the next person. Unless you have a good collection of professional credits, it is generally best to write to agents when there's an opportunity for them to see you in something.

If you are invited to meet an agent, that is often a good sign. You should approach the occasion in much the same way as you would an interview for a production. The major difference is that you should be prepared to ask (reasonable) questions - rates of commission, for instance.

When seeking representation, it can be a good idea to target only those agencies that you think might suit you. For instance, might you feel lost in a large agency, but feel more comfortable with a smaller one? On the other hand, some larger agencies have huge 'clout' and can be the first 'port of call' for the casting of prestigious productions.

When you've been taken on by an agent, it is important to establish how your working relationship will function. Be clear about any areas of work that you don't want to be suggested for, discuss your availability for auditions and interviews, agree how much promotion you should do for yourself, and so on.

These listings only contain agents who represent adult actors - there are many others who represent children, models, extras and so on.

Agents

21st Century Vaux Casting
The Corn Exchange, Fenwick Street, Liverpool L2 7QS
tel 0151-258 1679 fax 0151-231 1067
email 21stcenturyvaux@beeb.net
Key personnel David Williamson

Established in 1991, the agency represents 20 actors. Areas of work include theatre, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs.

Will consider attending performances at venues in Greater London and the North West with at least 1 week's notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company sent by post or email. Will also accept showreels, voice tapes, and invitations to view individual actors' websites. Commission: 7.5%

41 Management
3rd Floor, 74 Rose Street, North Lane, Edinburgh EH2 3DX
tel 0131-225 3585 fax 0131-225 4535
email mhunwick@41man.co.uk
Key personnel Maryam Hunwick

A personal management established in 1999. 1 agent represents actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials and voiceovers. Also represents vocal coaches for theatre, musicals, television and film industries.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London and in Scotland given 4 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Will also accept showreels. Commission: Theatre 10%; TV and Broadcast Media 12.5%; Commercials 15%

A&J Management
242A The Ridgeway, Botany Bay, Enfield EN2 8AP
tel 020-8342 0542 fax 020-8342 0842
email info@ajmanagement.co.uk
website www.ajmanagement.co.uk
Managing Director Jackie Michael Key
personnel Joanne Michael, Hannah Liebeskind

Established in 1984. 3 agents represent actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London with a minimum of 2 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Invitations to view individual actors' websites are also accepted. Commission: 15% plus VAT

June Abbott Associates
The Courtyard, 10 York Way, London N1 9AA
tel 020-7837 7826 fax 020-7833 0870
email jaa@thecourtyard.org.uk
website www.thecourtyard.org.uk
Agent June Abbott Assistant Agent Tanya Parkin

Established in 1994. 2 agents represent 50 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs.

Attendance at performances is dependent on potential client submissions/interviews. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Enclose an sae if a reply is required and for the return of CVs and photographs. Showreels and voice tapes should only be sent on request. Actors should only apply if they have training, and will only be contacted if the agency is interested. Recommends the photographer Peter Simpkin (see entry under Photographers and repro companies on page 282 for further details). Commission: Theatre 10%; Voice-Over and Radio 12%; Film and TV 15%

Acting Associates
71 Hartham Road, London N7 9JJ
tel 020-7607 3562 fax 020-7607 3562
email Fiona@actingassociates.co.uk
website www.actingassociates.co.uk
Agent Fiona Farley

Established in 1988. 1 agent represents 45-50 actors.

Will consider attending performances with 1 week's notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Recommends the photographer Catherine Shakespeare Lane (see entry under Photographers and repro companies on page 275 for further details). Commission: Theatre 10%; Other 15%

Actors Ireland
Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NH
tel 028-9024 8861 fax 028-9024 8861
email Geraldine@actorsireland.com
website www.actorsireland.com

Established in 2001. 2 agents represent 90 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs.

Will consider attending performances at venues in Northern Ireland. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Will also accept invitations to view individual actors' websites. Commission: Theatre 5%; TV 10%

Actual Management
The Studio, 63a Ladbroke Road, London W11 3PD
tel 020-7243 1166 fax 0870-874 1149
email agents@actualmanagement.co.uk
website www.actualmanagement.co.uk

Established in 2002. 2 agents represent 50 actors. Areas of work include theatre, television, film and commercials.

Will consider attending performances at venues in Greater London with at least 2 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company sent by post or email. Will also accept showreels, voice tapes, and invitations to view individual actors' websites.

Anita Alraun Representation
5th Floor, 28 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DB
tel 020-7379 6840 fax 020-7379 6865
Sole Proprietor/Agent Anita Alraun

1 agent represents a varying number of actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, film, television, commercials, radio drama, corporate and some voice-overs.

Attendance at performances is dependent on potential client submissions/interviews. Accepts submissions (with CV, photograph and sae - essential for reply) by post only from trained/experienced actors previously unknown to the company. Emailed submissions will not be considered. Showreels and voice tapes should be sent only if requested, following interview. Commission: Radio 10%; Theatre 10-12.5%; Film and TV 12.5%; Commercials 15%

Alvarez Management
86 Muswell Road, London N10 2BE
tel 020-8883 2206 fax 020-8444 2646

Established in 1990. 2 agents represent 55 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London with 3-4 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs, photographs and sae) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. ''When you are on the phone, please introduce yourself.'' ''Have a really decent photograph taken.'' Commission: Theatre and Radio 10%; Film and TV 12.5%; Commercials 15%

ALW Associates
1 Grafton Chambers, Grafton Place, London NW1 1LN
tel 020-7388 7018 fax 020-7813 1398
email alweurope@onetel.com

Established in 1977 as Vernon Conway Ltd. Sole representation of 35 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film and commercials.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London and occasionally elsewhere with 1 week's notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company sent by post or email. Also accepts invitations to view individual actors' websites. Showreels and voice tapes should only be sent on request. Commission: Theatre and Radio 10-12.5%; Film and TV 12.5%; Commercials 15%

Amber Personal Management Ltd
189 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZD
tel 020-7734 7887 fax 020-7734 9883
email info@amberltd.co.uk
website www.amberltd.co.uk

Established in 1986. 3 agents represent around 80 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voiceovers. Also represents directors and presenters (normally as an additional skill of actors already represented by the agency). Management has agents based in London as well as in Manchester.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London and elsewhere with 3-4 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs, photographs and sae) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Commission: Theatre and Radio 6.5-8.5%; Film, TV and Commercials 15%; Live Presentation 10%

The American Agency
14 Bonny Street, London NW1 9PG
tel 020-7485 8883 fax 020-7482 4666
email americanagency@btconnect.com
Agent Ed Cobb

Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs. 2 agents represent 80 actors. Will consider attending performances within the Greater London area. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the agency if sent by post, but not by email. Invitations to view individual actors' websites, showreels and voice tapes are also accepted. Welcomes enquiries from actors with disabilities. Commission: Theatre 10%; Other 15%

Susan Angel & Kevin Francis Ltd
1st Floor, 12 D'Arblay Street, London W1F 8DU
tel 020-7439 3086 fax 020-7437 1712
email angelpair@freeuk.com
Director Kevin Francis

Established in 1976. 3 agents represent 70 actors. Areas of work include theatre, television, film, and commercials.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London and occasionally elsewhere (e.g. Leeds, Bristol, Manchester) with 2 weeks' notice. Accepts brief postal submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company. Emailed applications are not considered due to the volume of mail. Commission: 10-12.5%

APM Associates
PO Box 834, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 9ZP
tel (01442) 252907 fax (01442) 241099
email apm@apmassociates.net
website www.apmassociates.net
Managing Director Linda French Agent Claire Brenner

Established in 1989. 2 agents represent around 65 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voiceovers. Also represents actor-writers, presenters and directors.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London with 2 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post with sae. Will also accept showreels and voice tapes. Will consider looking at websites only if actor's CV is of interest. Welcomes applications from disabled actors. Commission: Brochure available upon offer of interview

Argyle Associates
St John's Buildings, 43 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RS
tel 020-7608 2095 fax 020-7608 1642
email argyle.associates@virgin.net
Director Richard Linford Key personnel Geraldine Pryor

Established in 1995. 2 agents represent 30 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials and corporate.

Will consider attending performances at venues in Sussex and Surrey (e.g. Eastbourne, Brighton, Guildford, Dorking, Windsor) with 2 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Invitations to view individual actors' websites are also accepted. ''Be clear about what you think you have to offer the agency - your type and roles. Your photograph should look like you and be a high-grade holiday snap.'' Commission: Theatre and Radio 10%; TV 12.5%; Commercials, Film, Corporate and CD Rom 15%

Ash Personal Management
3 Spencer Road, Mitcham Common, Surrey CR4 15G
tel/fax 020-8646 0050
email ash-personal-mgmt@yahoo.co.uk
Agent Anthony Hyland

Established in 1986. 1 agent represents 15 actors working in theatre, musicals, television, film and commercials.

Will consider attending performances within Greater London and beyond, given 1-2 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the agency sent by post or email. Will also accept showreels, voice tapes and invitations to view an actor's website; follow-up telephone calls, however, are not welcomed. Commission: Stage 10%; Screen 15%

Asquith & Horner
The Studio, 14 College Road, Bromley BR1 3NS
tel 020-8466 5580 fax 020-8313 0443
website www.spotlightagent.info (view PIN 9858-0919-0728)
Senior Partner Anthony Vander Elst Partner Helen Melville

Established 1989. 2 agents represent 70 actors. Also represented are directors, choreographers, presenters, singers, dancers and commercial models. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs. Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London and elsewhere but requests as much notice as possible. Accepts submissions (CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company; also accepts showreels and voice tapes, and invitations to view actors' websites. ''Unsolicited enquiries should always be accompanied by an appropriately stamped and addressed envelope for return of answer, photo, tape, etc.''

Associated International Management (AIM)
Sanctuary House, 45-53 Sinclair Road, London W14 ONS
tel 020-7300 6506 fax 020-7300 6656
email info@aimagents.com
website www.aimagents.com
Key personnel Derek Webster, Stephen Gittins, Lisa-Marie Assenheim

An international management established in 1984. 3 agents represent 70 actors. Areas of work include theatre, television, film and commercials. Also represents directors.

Will consider attending performances within the Greater London area with at least 3 weeks' notice. Accepts submissions (with CVs and photographs) from actors previously unknown to the agency if sent by post, but not by email. Commission: 12-15%

BAM Associates
Benets Cottage, Dolberrow, Churchill, Bristol BS25 5NT
tel (01934) 852942
email bam@louisealexander.plus.com
website www.ebam.tv

2 agents represent 45 actors. Areas of work include theatre, musicals, television, film, commercials, corporate and voice-overs.

Will consider attending performances at venues within Greater London and the South West, but requests as much notice as possible. Accepts submissions (with CVs and 10x8in black and white photographs) from actors previously unknown to the company if sent by post. Welcomes enquiries from disabled actors. Commission: Theatre 10%; Mechanical Media 15%

---

From The Actors' Yearbook 2007,
© 2006 A&C Black Publishers Ltd.

'THE ACTORS' YEARBOOK 2007' is available to purchase now from the A&C Black website.