How to Get an Acting Manager

To get an acting manager, get your headshot, reel and resume in shape, research managers whose clients are working and who don't already have your look, then send short, personal pitch emails until you land two or three meetings. Expect to send a lot: managers keep small lists. We drew on 32 answers from our library, from SAS founder Kym Jackson and from Chris Roe, who has managed actors for 24 years.

When do you need an acting manager?

Earlier than most actors think. SAS founder Kym Jackson's argument: you have your own circle of industry relationships, your agent has another, and a manager adds a third circle of people who trust their judgement. Paying two commissions stings, but she says "the sooner you can get a manager, the better."

Either rep can come first. Without an agent, Kym says a manager often steps into that role, and managers are more likely to know showrunners and directors and pitch you to them directly. Chris Roe, who has managed actors for 24 years, says that if you can only keep one rep, keep the manager. For who does what, see talent agent vs manager.

What do managers look for in a new client?

Someone real, prepared and easy to work with. Chris Roe said nothing bores him more than an actor pitching themselves as the next big star; he wants to hear what you've done for your craft and your vision for yourself. He keeps his roster balanced, so a newcomer with no credits needs something he finds really appealing.

No reel? He would still consider an actor off a strong self tape. Does your follower count matter? His answer was "absolutely not", though how you conduct yourself online does.

How do you find the right managers to pitch?

Research the person, not the company. Kym's method: open the individual manager's client list on IMDbPro, focus on the top half, and look for current network, cable, streaming or studio credits. That shows they have relationships with casting offices working today.

Then check size and fit. Kym's sweet spot is roughly 20 to 45 clients (up to about 60); she once signed with a manager who had eight and it didn't work. Skip managers with several people who look like you, and aim to land a quarter to halfway down their list. Our free list of 300 managers for developmental actors is a good place to start.

How do you pitch a manager?

Get your headshot, reel, resume and online profiles in shape first. Then write each email individually: Kym suggests about 20 minutes per manager, opening with one or two genuine, personal sentences so it can't be mistaken for spam. Keep it under about 300 words, link your strongest asset and invite them to meet. Managers care a little more about your story than agents, so Kym allows two to five sentences on your background.

A referral isn't required, but it gets your email opened. Kym says her clients have landed meetings without one when the email was short, personal and clear about what they add. Our guide to emailing an acting agent has the full structure.

How many managers should you contact?

More than you'd guess. Managers keep small lists, often under 50 clients, so any one is unlikely to take a new actor. Kym's rule of thumb is 60 or more personalised emails to land two or three meetings, because you shouldn't sign with the first manager who says yes.

Pitching isn't the only route. Chris Roe gets around ten requests for representation a week, many referred by clients, producers and casting directors, and he has signed actors he met at workshops and showcases.

What happens in a manager meeting?

They've seen your work, so the meeting is about you. Kym says managers want to know whether you'll be high maintenance, whether they'd feel safe sending you to set, and whether they'd enjoy talking to you every week for years. Bring a printed headshot and resume and treat it as an open conversation about a partnership. If they reschedule once or twice, that's normal.

How much does an acting manager take?

In Kym's experience, most LA managers take 10%, and managers who mainly work with developmental clients take 15%. If you sign at 15%, she recommends a clause that drops it to 10% once you've earned a set total through them; she used US$50,000 and thinks about $25,000 to $60,000 is fair. A manager asking for 20% is a no.

As of November 2026, SAG-AFTRA says no franchised agent may charge more than 10%, but that cap covers agents, not managers. Many managers work on a handshake; if there's a contract, Kym looks for one or two years with a way out. This is general information, so check your own contract with a lawyer.

What are the red flags?

A fee to sign is the big one. Kym says a rep asking for a sign-up fee is never acceptable: good reps are paid from commission when you work. Other warning signs are a client list with no recent credits, commission above 15% and pressure to sign on the spot.

In California, as of November 2026, the Labor Commissioner says anyone arranging employment for an artist needs a talent agency licence, and advance-fee talent representation services are prohibited. SAG-AFTRA's advice: investigate a manager's reputation and check references.

How do you know a manager is right for you?

Chris Roe says you'll know quickly: there's real chemistry, they listen to you, and you listen to them. Kym adds that a good manager will talk through big career decisions, though developmental clients get less time until money is coming in.

Choose for the long term. Chris told us some of his clients have been with him for 22 years, and his advice when something feels off is to talk to your manager before chasing a better offer.

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All rates current from sagaftra.org and dir.ca.gov as of 9 November 2026.