First things first, let's get the right mindset: a meeting is an opportunity for both of you to confirm your hopes about each other. No agent asks an actor to meet if they’re not at least a little interested! So repeat after me: “They want me here.”

Meeting with a new agent or manager can feel like a nerve-wracking, skin-crawling, cringe-worthy tightrope walk without a net…

Or maybe you’re “great in a meeting” but still can’t seem to seal the deal with the agent you really want. Whether you’re fresh out of drama school or a seasoned pro, it’s easy to fall into common traps when meeting a new rep.

After helping 724 actors find representation around the world, I’ve heard it all. In this article, I’ll debunk the myths and share what I’ve learned from the front lines so you can shine bright like a diamond and stand out in any meeting.

Get Your Mind Right

First things first, let’s get the right mindset: a meeting is an opportunity for both of you to confirm your hopes about each other. No agent asks an actor to meet if they’re not at least a little interested! So repeat after me: “They want me here.”

My client Sarah reached out to reps in Los Angeles and got 36 meetings. While that sounds like success on its own, one of the most exciting surprises was that the agents were pitching themselves to her! A clear email pitch can flip the script, making the rep eager to impress you.

Hold up! If you read the words “pitch yourself” and wanted to hide, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! Head over to MakeAgentsWantYou.com and I’ll show you how (it’s free, you’re welcome).

Relationship Reset

Here’s something to put on the burn pile: the old-school hierarchy that puts agents on a pedestal and you grovelling at the bottom.

This initial meeting is meant to be the start of a partnership. Rather than bring the “pick me, pick me” energy into the room (or Zoom room), it’s important to bring a sense of collaboration, recognizing that the two of you (finally!) gathered there together to figure out if you’re a good fit.

My client Stephanie approached meetings with agents in New York like a discovery-style adventure. She focused on being curious rather than presenting a perfect version of herself…

“I’m not coming from a place of fear; I feel like I showed up to meetings with fierce trust. We might not be a match, and that’s okay because there is the right match out there for me. I got five meetings and chose the one that I wanted – which is bicoastal representation!”


Your #1 job is to “know thyself” as an actor. Reps want to know that you understand your own instrument, your unique gifts, and your talents so you can both figure out how to share them with the world.

At the end of the day, an agent wants to feel like you’re an authority on yourself. Some tough love here: You can’t project confidence and authority if you’re scrambling for your own worthiness.

Listen with Your Ears, Not Your Baggage

When an agent asks, “Tell me about yourself,” most actors translate that to “prove you’re worth my time” or “tell me why I should care about you” or “what have you booked lately.” Do me a favor, don’t get a job as a translator.

It’s natural to think you should focus on what you’ve booked (or not booked) when you’re sitting in front of an agent or manager. While your experience is important, instead of starting the conversation by rattling off your credits, begin on a positive note.

Share something you’re excited about—both personally and professionally. This approach not only sets a positive tone but also gives the agent a glimpse into your enthusiasm and personality beyond acting.

My client Phil hadn’t booked anything in a while, and when he finally scored 17 agent meetings, he was naturally worried about what to discuss during those conversations. So, we came up with a simple approach to keep him on track:

1. You’re just there to get to know someone new.
2. Lead with genuine excitement about a personal and a professional project.


And to be clear, the personal thing could be anything – the book you’re reading, an upcoming vacation, or even a great parking spot you got that morning!

It honestly doesn’t matter; they will get to know you through the way you express yourself more than whatever you choose to talk about. This genuine approach helps to establish a connection and sets you apart as someone who is not only professional but also personable and relatable.

By focusing on building a connection and sharing his authentic enthusiasm, Phil was able to create a memorable impression that went beyond his resume.

This strategy helped him create a more engaging and positive interaction – after meeting with all 17 agents, he got 16 offers.

What Kind of Relationship Do I Want: Trust and Mutual Respect

The list below is likely more comprehensive than what you’ll need to ask during a meeting (plus, you’ll be able to gather some of these answers before you even meet the agent!). However, thinking about these questions beforehand can help you get into the right headspace for making a wise decision.

Consider these questions as a guide to understanding your own needs and preferences. You don’t need answers to all of them to make a decision, but reflecting on them can clarify what’s most important to you and keep you focused during the meeting:

• Hands-on or independent agent? Decide if you want an agent who is deeply involved in your daily activities or one who gives you more independence.
• How often do I want to communicate? Think about the frequency of communication you expect. Is it weekly check-ins or only when there’s a job offer?
• Does the agent secure the roles I want? Ensure the agent has a track record of securing the types of roles you’re aiming for in your career.
• How important are industry connections? Evaluate how crucial it is for your agent to have strong industry connections and influence.
• Large or small client roster? Consider whether you prefer an agent with a large roster, potentially providing more opportunities, or a smaller one, offering more personalized attention.
• Involvement in career planning? Determine the level of involvement you want from your agent in planning your career trajectory.
• Push for challenging roles or respect comfort zone? Reflect on whether you want an agent who will push you towards challenging roles or one who will respect your current comfort zone.
• How does the agent handle conflicts? Understand the agent’s approach to resolving conflicts or disagreements.
• Agent’s approach to contract negotiations? Think about how aggressive or conservative you want your agent to be in contract negotiations.
• Support during slow periods? Consider if the agent will support and motivate you during slow periods in your career.

Embrace the Journey

Finally, remember that finding the right agent is a journey. It’s about meeting people, making connections, and seeing where the chemistry is. Along the way, you may hear some NOs, and that’s a normal part of the process. And it’s a good thing! You don’t want an agent who doesn’t think they can knock it out of the park with you. So be grateful for the NOs since they are just stepping stones getting you closer to your YES.

What is meant for you will never miss you.

Take a deep breath, trust in your journey, and remember — you’ve got this. The right agent is out there for you. Whether you’re stepping into your first meeting or your fiftieth, approach it with confidence, authenticity, and the knowledge that you are enough.

For more in-depth support, remember, 724 actors have started their successful journeys right here. Good luck! And DM me to let me know how it goes! @briansaysthat .

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