Talent agents for actors come in two main types theatrical (Television and Film) and commercial ( for commercials). There are also dance, print, and voice-over agents who specialize in these fields, and signing with one of these agents can be a great way for actors with these other skills to cross over into one of the other areas. Being with the same agency for everything is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies might be strong commercially, but not as strong theatrically, or vice versa. Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a fax/email service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers, although there is a black market for this information within the acting community and many actors without representation self-submit for available roles, which some casting people don't mind, others hate, and the owner of Breakdown Services abhors. Remember actors--your agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work--especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, know your craft, don't shy away from networking and letting CD, producers and directors know about your accomplishments & upcoming appearances by sending out postcards, know your type and how you fit into the current market, and above all, make sure you and your agent are on the same page about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for. And NEVER pay an agent or manager up front to represent you. They only make money when they make you money.

Agents & Managers An Agent Tells All An uncensored look at the business of acting from the perspective of a working Hollywood agent. How To Agent Your Agent Learn how agents really work, how to make them work, and what to do if they don't. How to Find a Legitimate Modeling or Acting Agent Scam Avoidance 101 SAG Franchised Agents List What the Agent Does The Role of the Agent In Search of an Agent Do You Need an Agent? How to Find a Talent Agent Finding the Right Agent Signing With An Agent... What's Your Story? Agents, Actors & Life after Theatre School How to Find an Agent... and Survive Actors, Acting and Agents – What It Takes Tips on Picking an Agent An Interview with Talent Agent Angela Morris Writing a Cover Letter to an Agent Putting Together an Acting Resume Acting Depot: About Resumes Meeting with a Talent Agent So, Tell Me About Yourself What do I Say to an Agent? What the Manager Does Acting Biz: About Managers Interview with Chicago Agent, Lynne Hamilton Wray Interview with NY Agent, David Krasner Interview with Los Angeles Agent, Tony Martinez Interview with Los Angeles Agent, Adam Lieblein So You Want To Be In Show Business: A Hollywood Agent Shares The Secrets Of Getting Ahead Without Getting Ripped Off Includes crucial information about how casting directors think, getting head-shot photos that work, writing résumés that sell, finding the right agent, how to read the trade papers, understanding showcases and workshops, meeting with casting directors, what the Screen Actors Guild is all about, the casting process, and much more.