Getting an acting agent is one of the biggest milestones for an aspiring actor. But if you're just starting out, you may be wondering:

How do I get an acting agent if I don't have professional credits?

The good news is that you do not necessarily need a long list of television and film credits before you can begin pursuing representation. What you do need is a professional presentation, appropriate training, quality marketing materials, and a clear understanding of how the entertainment industry works.

Whether you're an adult actor, young performer, teen actor, or parent helping a child pursue acting, the process begins with building a strong foundation.

Here's how to approach it.

1. Understand What an Acting Agent Actually Does

Before submitting to talent agents, it's important to understand the role an agent plays in an actor's career.

A talent agent represents actors and helps connect them with professional casting opportunities. Depending on the type of representation, an agent may submit you for auditions, communicate with casting professionals, negotiate employment terms, and help guide the business side of your acting career.

An agent is not a replacement for your acting training or career development.

Think of representation as one part of a larger system:

Training → Marketing Materials → Casting Opportunities → Auditions → Representation → Professional Work

Having an agent can expand the opportunities available to you, but you still need to be prepared to audition and compete professionally.

2. You Don't Need Hundreds of Acting Credits

One of the biggest misconceptions among new actors is that they need a massive résumé before an agent will consider them.

Professional credits can certainly help. However, newer actors can also demonstrate their potential through:

• Acting classes

• Theater experience

• Student films

• Short films

• Workshops

• Monologue work

• Self-taped scenes

• Special skills

• Professional headshots

• Acting footage

• A strong work ethic

If you have limited experience, your goal should not be to make your résumé look bigger than it is.

Your goal should be to make the experience you do have look professional and relevant.

3. How To Get Professional Acting Headshots

Your headshot is one of the first things a talent representative may see.

A professional acting headshot should look like you—not like a heavily edited glamour photograph.

Your headshots should communicate the types of roles you can realistically play.

For example, an actor may have different marketing looks for:

• Drama

• Comedy

• Teen roles

• Young adult roles

• Professional roles

• Character roles

• Commercial work

Your headshot should also be current.

If your appearance has changed significantly, your hair is different, or the photograph no longer represents what you actually look like, it's time to update it.

4. How to Build an Acting Résumé

Your acting résumé is another important part of your submission package.

If you're new, don't worry about having a blank page filled with credits you don't have.

Instead, organize your résumé around legitimate experience.

You may include:

Training

List relevant acting classes, conservatories, workshops, coaches, and other professional training.

Theater

Include legitimate theater productions and roles.

Film & Television

List actual screen credits, including appropriate short-film or independent projects.

Special Skills

Special skills can be valuable when they are genuine and usable.

Examples may include:

• Sports

• Dance

• Singing

• Musical instruments

• Languages

• Dialects

• Martial arts

• Horseback riding

• Swimming

• Driving

• Stage combat

Never exaggerate your abilities.

If an agent submits you for a role requiring a specific skill, you need to be able to perform that skill professionally.

5. How to Create Strong Acting Footage

If you don't have professional television or film footage yet, that doesn't mean you have nothing to show.

Actors can create high-quality acting footage, including professionally produced scenes, short films, monologues, and other material that demonstrates their ability.

The important thing is quality.

A representative doesn't need to see ten minutes of footage if your strongest work can be demonstrated in a much shorter reel.

Focus on showing:

• Your personality

• Your emotional range

• Your ability to listen

• Your ability to take direction

• Your natural screen presence

• The types of characters you can realistically play

Casting platforms such as Casting Networks emphasize the importance of a professional talent profile and media when presenting yourself to the industry.

6. Start Auditioning Before You Have an Agent

You don't necessarily have to wait for representation before developing your résumé.

Actors can pursue legitimate casting opportunities independently.

Platforms such as Actors Access and Casting Networks provide actors with access to casting opportunities, including film, television, commercial, and other projects.

This can help a developing actor gain practical audition experience while building credits and learning how professional casting works.

The goal isn't to submit to every casting notice you see.

Instead, look for roles that genuinely fit your:

• Age range

• Type

• Experience

• Location

• Skills

• Union status

• Availability

Strategic submissions are generally more useful than simply sending yourself out for everything.

7. Learn How the Casting Industry Works

Understanding the difference between casting directors, talent agents, managers, producers, and casting platforms can make the entire process less confusing.

A casting director generally works on the casting process for a production.

An agent represents talent and may submit actors for professional opportunities.

A manager typically focuses more broadly on career development and strategy.

Casting platforms provide systems through which actors and industry professionals can discover and submit for opportunities.

Learning these distinctions will help you avoid wasting time—or money—on the wrong opportunities.

8. Research Acting Agents Before You Submit

Not every agency is right for every actor.

Before submitting, research the agency. The SAG talent agent list can be a useful tool for this.

Look at:

• The types of actors they represent

• Their age ranges

• Their markets

• Their theatrical/commercial divisions

• Their submission requirements

• Whether they represent actors at your career level

• Their current roster

• Their professional reputation

If you're specifically looking for acting agents in Los Angeles, build a targeted list rather than sending the exact same submission to every agency you can find.

A smaller list of appropriate agencies can be more useful than a huge list of agencies that aren't a fit.

9. Follow the Agency's Submission Instructions

This is where many actors make an avoidable mistake.

If an agency says submissions should be made through its website, follow those instructions.

If the agency requests a headshot, résumé, reel, and cover letter, provide those materials.

If it says not to call, don't call.

If it doesn't accept unsolicited submissions, don't try to bypass the system.

Professionalism begins before the first meeting.

Your submission is also an opportunity to demonstrate that you can follow directions.

10. Write a Short, Professional Submission

Your initial submission doesn't need to be a five-page biography.

Keep it concise.

Tell the agent:

Who you are + what you do + what you are submitting + why you're contacting them.

For example:

Hello [Agent Name],

My name is [Name], and I'm a Los Angeles-based actor currently seeking theatrical representation. I have professional training in [training] and experience in [relevant experience].

I'm reaching out because I believe my type and current materials may be a fit for your roster. My headshot, résumé, and reel are available below.

Thank you for your consideration.

Simple. Professional. Direct.

Final Thoughts: Getting an Acting Agent Takes Preparation

If you're wondering how to get an acting agent with no experience, don't assume your lack of credits means you aren't ready to start building your career.

Instead, focus on what you can control.

Get properly trained.

Create professional headshots.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Acting Career?

Here!