Finding the right acting agent can transform your career. A good agent opens doors to auditions you wouldn’t access on your own, negotiates better terms, and manages the business side of acting so you can focus on the work. But not every actor needs an agent right away, and not every agency is right for every actor.
This guide explains what agents actually do, how agencies work in Ireland, and how to approach representation professionally and safely.
What an acting agent does (and doesn’t do)
An acting agent represents actors to casting directors and producers. Their job is to get you seen for appropriate roles, negotiate your contracts, and manage bookings.
What agents do:
- Submit you for auditions: They pitch you to casting directors for roles that match your profile
- Negotiate contracts: They handle fee negotiations and contract terms on your behalf
- Manage your schedule: They coordinate auditions, callbacks and bookings
- Give career advice: Good agents provide guidance on training, material selection and long-term strategy
- Take commission: Agents typically take 10-15% of your earnings from work they secure for you
What agents don’t do:
- Find you work directly: Agents don’t employ actors; they facilitate opportunities through third parties
- Teach acting: They’re not coaches or trainers
- Guarantee success: Even with a great agent, you still need to audition well and book roles yourself
- Pay upfront fees: Legitimate agents work on commission, not upfront payments
An agent’s success depends on their actors working, so it’s a partnership. They work hardest for actors who are professional, reliable and bookable.
Types of acting agencies in Ireland
Most acting agencies in Ireland are based in Dublin, though some cover the whole country or represent actors remotely.
Full-service agencies
These agencies represent actors across all areas: theatre, film, TV, commercials and sometimes voiceover. They typically have established relationships with casting directors and producers.
Full-service agencies usually have selective rosters and may specialise in certain types of talent or career stages (e.g., emerging actors, experienced screen actors, character performers).
Niche or specialist agencies
Some agencies focus on specific areas like commercials, children and young performers, models who also act, or voiceover talent. These agencies can be excellent if your strengths align with their focus.
Size and style
Agencies range from large rosters with multiple agents to small boutique agencies with close personal relationships. Neither is inherently better — what matters is fit, reputation and how well they represent you.
How to research and shortlist agencies
Before approaching any agency, research thoroughly. You want to find legitimate, reputable agencies that are a good match for your experience level and goals.
Check their website and credits
Look for:
- Professional website with clear information: Contact details, submission guidelines, current roster
- Recent credits: Do their actors appear in recognisable productions?
- Roster fit: Do they represent actors at your level, or are they looking for established professionals only?
Look for industry presence
Good agencies are active in the industry. Their actors work regularly, and casting directors know them. You can often gauge this by checking cast lists on Irish productions and seeing which agencies are represented.
Watch for red flags
Avoid agencies that:
- Charge upfront fees for representation
- Pressure you to use specific photographers, training providers or other services they profit from
- Make unrealistic promises about guaranteed work or fame
- Have no visible track record or credits
- Are vague about their terms and commission structure
Legitimate agencies make money when you work, not from upfront payments.
Submitting to agents: what you need ready
Most Irish agencies accept submissions via email or through their website. Submission guidelines vary, but you’ll typically need:
Professional materials
- Headshots: At least one or two professional, current headshots
- CV: A clean, up-to-date acting CV listing your training and experience
- Showreel: If you have on-camera experience, a short showreel (1-2 minutes)
- Cover letter or email: A brief, professional message explaining why you’re interested in representation
What to include in your cover letter
Keep it short and specific:
- Your name and contact details
- A sentence or two about your background (training, recent work)
- Why you’re approaching this particular agency
- Confirmation that your materials are attached or linked
Don’t oversell yourself or write a life story. Agents are busy; they want to see your materials quickly and decide if you’re a fit.
When to submit
Only submit when your materials are genuinely ready. Submitting too early with weak headshots, no experience or no training often means a polite rejection — and you won’t get a second first impression.
Most actors wait until they have:
- Solid training (at least some structured classes or workshops)
- A few credits (short films, theatre, student projects)
- Professional-quality headshots
- Some on-camera footage if seeking screen representation
Red flags and common misconceptions
Red flag: upfront fees
If an agency charges you an upfront fee to join their books, walk away. This includes:
- Registration fees
- Annual membership fees
- Fees for profile creation or website listings
Legitimate agents work on commission only. They earn money when you book work, not from actors paying to be represented.
Red flag: pressure to spend money with third parties
Some scam agencies push actors towards specific photographers, training programs or showreel services that give the agency a kickback. While agents may recommend trusted professionals, they should never require you to use specific providers as a condition of representation.
Misconception: you must have an agent to work
Not true. Many actors work without agents, especially in theatre and independent film. Agents are valuable for accessing certain types of work (TV, commercials, larger film productions), but you can build a career without one, particularly when starting out.
Misconception: any agent is better than no agent
A bad or ineffective agent can actually harm your career. If an agent doesn’t submit you, doesn’t communicate well, or damages your reputation through unprofessional behaviour, you’re worse off than being unrepresented.
It’s better to wait for the right fit than to sign with the first agency that offers.
When you might not need an agent yet
Agents look for actors who are ready to work professionally. If you’re still at an early stage, it might be too soon.
Consider waiting if you:
- Have little or no training
- Have no credits or experience
- Don’t have professional headshots or showreel footage
- Haven’t performed in front of others yet
- Don’t know what type of work you’re aiming for
Use this time to build experience, train and create strong materials. When you’re ready, agents will see that you’re a worthwhile investment.
What happens if an agent is interested
If an agent wants to meet you or discuss representation, treat it like a job interview — because it is.
Questions to ask
- What types of work do they typically submit actors for?
- How often do they communicate with actors on their roster?
- What’s their commission structure?
- How long is the contract, and what are the terms for ending it?
- What do they expect from you in terms of availability, training and material updates?
Questions they’ll ask you
- What’s your training background?
- What type of work are you interested in?
- Are you available for short-notice auditions?
- Do you have any upcoming commitments that affect availability?
- What are your long-term goals?
Be honest, professional and realistic. Agents appreciate actors who understand the industry and approach representation as a partnership.
Building a good agent relationship
Once you have representation, your job is to:
- Stay professional: Turn up on time, prepared and ready to work
- Communicate clearly: Keep your agent updated on availability, new materials and any changes to your circumstances
- Keep training: Continue developing your skills
- Update your materials: Refresh headshots and showreel footage as needed
- Be patient: Auditions can be sporadic; trust your agent to submit you appropriately
Agents work hardest for actors who make their job easier: reliable, talented, professional performers who book work and build a good reputation.
Final thoughts
Finding an agent in Ireland takes time, preparation and research. Focus on building solid materials, gaining real experience and approaching agencies professionally. Avoid anyone asking for money upfront, and don’t rush into representation before you’re ready.
The right agent can be a genuine career partner, but only when the timing, materials and fit are right. Until then, focus on the work, keep learning, and trust that when you’re ready, the right representation will follow.